What is the vision ahead for the NDIM for the next 10 years?

At NDIM, our guiding vision for the next decade is to elevate our institution as a global leader in management education by continuously innovating and adapting to the ever-evolving global needs of industries and societies. We wish to create an environment where students can grow both personally and intellectually with critical thinking skills, leadership attributes and embrace ethical and social responsibility. This vision is woven into every aspect of our mission and culture, where education and social values go hand in hand. We bring this vision to life by collaborating with global academics and industry experts, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every student, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, has equal opportunities to outperform.

We go beyond traditional classroom learning by offering students a lot of experiential opportunities, community service, overseas credit-based learning, sessions by IVY League faculty, fortnightly skill review of industry compliances. These experiences help students cultivate a global perspective and understanding of diverse cultures, preparing them to thrive in an international business environment.

For our students, we also emphasize the importance of professionalism, collaboration, ethics and leadership. Our faculty members and staff are dedicated to serve as role models, guiding students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to excel. With strong policies in place to ensure that every student is treated with dignity and respect, NDIM is committed to creating a supportive and empowering community that prepares students for success in all areas of life.

Undoubtedly your background in Government has helped you manage NDIM better. Could you let us know a bit more about this aspect?

You know, I was quite fortunate to start my career in roles that required decisive action and challenging circumstances. For instance, when I served as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Punjab, I had the responsibility of taking on powerful political families and later managing complex situations like labor strikes and transportation issues. These early experiences taught me the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and maintaining a balance between firmness and diplomacy—skills that have been essential in managing an institution like NDIM.

When I was associated with organizing the 1982 Asian Games as part of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), I learnt firsthand the importance of swift decision-making and collaboration across multiple sectors. Managing large-scale projects under tight deadlines, while addressing the concerns of powerful trade unions, honed my ability to ensure progress without compromising on fairness or quality. This experience has greatly influenced my approach at NDIM, where balancing the interests of students, faculty, and external stakeholders is paramount.

Working with diverse teams and being responsible for large numbers of employees—whether as the OSD at the Punjab State Electricity Board or as a special magistrate of the entire Punjab at the age of 28, taught me valuable lessons in leadership, employee welfare, and conflict resolution. These experiences have been directly applicable to my work at NDIM, where nurturing talent, ensuring smooth operations, and fostering a positive environment for students and staff are key to our success.

So, yes. Certainly! My background in public service has equipped me with the ability to navigate the complexities of leadership, manage people effectively, and maintain clear vision—all of which are crucial for guiding NDIM towards continued growth and excellence. Proper leadership in educational bodies is extremely essential for creating finest institutions and universities.