SPJIMR marks 45 years of purpose-driven leadership
April 17, 2026
On its 45th Foundation Day, SPJIMR celebrated its legacy shaped by academic rigour, grounded values, and a consistent focus on staying relevant in a changing world. Over the years, the institute has grown in both scale and scope, yet its core intent has remained constant: to develop future leaders who approach management with purpose, responsibility, and a broader understanding of impact.
The SPJIMR community commemorated its sustained commitment to a distinct way of thinking, learning, and leading with a series of events. Highlights included the annual MLS Memorial Speech; the felicitation of long-service award recipients; Dean’s address; the ceremonial cake-cutting; and the live musical play Bansuri Jab Gaane Lage. The event also marked a tangible milestone with the inauguration of the newly renovated reception area, reflecting SPJIMR’s ongoing evolution.
Nurturing (management education) institutions
Dr. N. Ravichandran focused his MLS Memorial Speech on the theme Nurturing Management Education Institutions. He emphasised a practice-first philosophy for management education, highlighting the need for leaders to balance real-world application, ethical restraint, and environmental awareness. Drawing from his experiences, he noted:
“Management isn’t just a set of concepts to be memorised; it is a cycle of action and reflection that must be grounded in ethical responsibility and environmental stewardship.”
He stressed that business leaders, wielding significant influence, must exercise restraint guided by a strong moral compass.
Honouring long-standing commitment
The evening also celebrated SPJIMR’s dedicated members through the Long Service Awards, recognising contributions that have strengthened the institution’s growth and values over decades. These awards honour colleagues whose dedication is defined not only by years of service but also by an enduring attitude of commitment and service.
Prof. Arunima Haldar, 10 years
Prof. Snehal Shah, 10 years
Cyndrella Fernandes, Accounts, 10 years
Divya Johri, Global Management Programme (GMP), 10 years
Divya Mahesh, Global Management Programme (GMP), 10 years
Harshala Chalke, Library Team, 10 years
Jiji Santosh, Examinations Team, 10 years
Sopan Wapare, Library Team, 10 years
Samidha Satyawan Mahadeshwar, IT Dept, 20 years
Shilpa Apte, PGDM Programme Office, 20 years
Trupti Vyas, ERP Team, 20 years
Engaging musical finale: Bansuri Jab Gaane Lage
The celebrations concluded with a live Hindi musical play, Bansuri Jab Gaane Lage, performed by Eastern Harmony under the guidance of Rajeev Chaurasia and his team. The production traced the life and legacy of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Padma Vibhushan awardee and one of the world’s most revered Indian classical flautists, blending storytelling with live music to portray his journey from Allahabad to global acclaim.
Addressing the SPJIMR community on the occasion, Dean Varun Nagaraj said:
“We recognise and celebrate the achievements that have brought us here—the strong foundations that made them possible. At the same time, we must acknowledge that the world around us is changing. As a team, aware of our core strengths, our heritage, and the fact that nothing is worse than standing still, we must continue to steer forward together.”
The celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment to approach management education with good judgment and to address evolving societal needs with clarity and responsibility.