'Girl Power' boosts Batch 2009-2011
June 24, 2009

SPJIMR welcomed the 180 new recruits to its PGDM 2009-2011 batch comprising 75 girls and 105 boys. These 180 candidates were selected from more than 18000 applicants through a rigorous admission process that included weight-age given to past academic background, versatility and overall personality. In the new batch, 144 participants have prior work-experience and 155 have an engineering background.

The Orientation programme started with the SPJIMR tradition of chanting a short prayer from the Upanishad- a mantra of togetherness-'Om Sahana Vavatu, Sahanao Bhunaktu, Sahaveeryam Karvaa Vahai, Tejaswee Naava Dheeta Mastu Ma Vidvishaa vahai Om Shanti Shanti Shanti'. This is a mantra chanted by the teacher and participants, at the beginning and end of education, signifying mutual growth through knowledge sharing.

Dr. Sesha Iyer, Director SPJIMR welcomed the new participants. He spoke about SPJIMR, its history, culture, traditions and spirit of innovation and excellence. Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay, the PGDM Co-ordinator introduced the programme requirements and pedagogy. SPJIMR is known for its innovation in pedagogy and has incorporated unique initiatives such as ADMAP "Learning by Doing" and DOCC (Development of Corporate Citizenship), that aim to sensitivize participants to social needs and Abhudaya, that involves mentoring children from poor economic background. Prof. A.B. Kulkarni, explained the expectations from participants and clarified the concepts of "Shravan" (intensive listening and presence), "Manan" (reflection and internalizing of learning) and "Dhyan" (contemplation and meditation).

The day ended with a sparkling and lively question and answer round with Dr. M.L. Shrikant, Hon. Dean SPJIMR. Dr. Shrikant said that MBA education does not teach participants to find big jobs and earn great money but facilitates their understanding of various management concepts and practices and their relation to real-life situations." According to him, MBA education should not build arrogant managers but individuals with humility and receptiveness to new learning and SPJIMR would help participants explore their real self and ability to serve society at large.