Campus News

A Session on ‘Entrepreneurship After MBA’

A session on ‘Entrepreneurship After MBA’ was organized on July 8, 2025, at SDMIMD as part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM Batch 2025–27. Mr. Chandu Nair, an angel investor and startup advisor, was the resource person for the session.
 
In his talk, Mr. Nair focused on entrepreneurial possibilities as well as employability opportunities immediately after completing the postgraduate program. He guided students to have the confidence while choosing their career and the way they should shape their career.
 
Discussing the foundations of a successful career, Mr. Nair explained that if a person has a strong idea and clarity about the career they want to build, age becomes less significant. He highlighted that thorough knowledge of one’s goals, intelligence, and common sense are crucial in shaping a career. “Making decisions and ensuring they are right become important in creating a career,” Mr. Nair added.

Invited talk on Active Listening

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025–2027 batch, a session on Active Listening was conducted on July 7, 2025.
 
The session was delivered by Ms. Sheethal Mohithe, a Consultant known for her engaging and impactful communication training. She emphasized the importance of active listening as a vital skill for future managers and leaders.
 
The interactive session helped students understand the role of attentive listening in building effective interpersonal relationships.The talk set the tone for self-awareness and communication-focused learning during the program.

Invited Talk on Operation Sindhoor and Opportunities for the Indian Defense Industry

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM Batch 2025–2027, an invited talk was organized on ‘Operation Sindhoor and Opportunities for the Indian Defence Industry’ by SDMIMD, Mysuru. Group Captain Dr. Vinay Vittal was the resource person for the session on July 7, 2025.
 
In his lecture, Dr. Vinay Vittal shared insights on Operation Sindhoor, a successful military operation by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He explained how this precision strike was executed by the Indian Air Force, with joint efforts from the Indian Army and Indian Navy.
 
Describing the strength of the Indian Air Force, Dr. Vittal shed light on the advanced techniques employed during Operation Sindhoor. He emphasized that “National security comes at a price” and highlighted how India’s advanced and multi-layered defence system transformed the nature of the operation.
 
While discussing opportunities in the Indian defence sector, Dr. Vittal elaborated on how Operation Sindhoor brought about significant changes in the import and export of defence materials. Most importantly, he emphasized how these military operations have reinforced the Make in India initiative.

Alumni Day 2025 – Insights from the SDMIMD Alumni Network

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025–27 batch, SDMIMD organized Alumni Day on July 5, 2025. The event brought together distinguished alumni who shared their experiences, insights, and guidance with the incoming students to help them make the most of their MBA journey.
 
The day featured a series of impactful invited talks:
 
Mr. N. Ravi Shankar (Batch 1997–99), CEO, Aim High Consulting, delivered a thought-provoking talk titled “MBA Na Milegi Dobara”. He set the context for how students can proactively embrace the next two years by adopting a multifaceted learning approach and preparing to become future-ready leaders.
 
Mr. Sandesh Murchy (Batch 2004–06), Human Resources Director at Oracle, addressed the audience with his session titled “Snakes & Ladders”. He spoke about career building strategies, staying relevant, and navigating the ups and downs of a professional journey.
 
Mrs. Namita Rajnikant (Batch 1995–97), Co-founder of Third Eye Advisory, presented “Picture Abhi Baaki Hain”, offering students a glimpse into life beyond campus. She emphasized adaptability, resilience, and the essential skills needed to thrive in high-pressure work environments.
The invited talks were followed by a panel discussion on the topic “How to Prepare for the New VUCA World with AI”. 

The panel discussion featured Dr. Mohamed Minhaj, Dean – Academics, SDMIMD; Mr. Vijay Mane, President – SDMIMD Alumni Association, Serial Entrepreneur, Startup Catalyst & Investor; Mr. Praveen M.G., Chief Operating Officer, DigitalSprint AI Solutions; Mrs. Namita Rajnikant, Co-founder, Third Eye Advisory; and Mr. Sandesh Murchy, Human Resources Director, Oracle.

The engaging discussion explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future of work, the need for continuous upskilling, and strategies to remain agile in a fast-changing world. The session provided students with a powerful blend of personal narratives and forward-looking advice from industry leaders.

Workshop on Discover Design Thinking for Growth

As part of the Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025-27 batch, a workshop titled "Discover Design Thinking for Growth" was conducted on July 4, 2025.

The session was led by Mr. Rakesh Babu K.L, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at Innomantra Consulting Private Limited. Through engaging activities and practical insights, Mr. Rakesh Babu introduced the students to the core principles and applications of design thinking, highlighting its importance in driving innovation and problem-solving in today’s dynamic business environment.

The interactive workshop provided the incoming batch with a creative and structured approach to thinking critically, empathizing with users, and developing innovative solutions—skills that will be integral throughout their management journey.

Inauguration of Orientation Program for PGDM 2025-27 Batch

The Orientation Program for the PGDM 2025-27 batch at SDM Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD), Mysuru, was inaugurated on July 3, 2025, at the SDMIMD Auditorium. The ceremony began with an invocation by Ms. Vidyashree P, second-year PGDM student, followed by a warm welcome address from Dr. S. Saibaba, Chairperson – Admissions.
 
Dr. Mohamed Minhaj, Dean – Academics, highlighted the academic expectations and learning environment at SDMIMD. Dr. (Lt Col) Prasad S. N., Director, SDMIMD, addressed the students on the institute’s vision and values, encouraging them to make the most of their learning journey.
 
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Shri Vijay Anandh R, Executive Director, City Union Bank, delivered an inspiring address. Drawing from his vast experience in the banking and finance sector, he shared valuable insights on industry expectations and encouraged students to stay curious, agile, and committed to lifelong learning.
 
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. G. Srilakshminarayana, Associate Professor – Quantitative Methods, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the PGDM 2025-27 cohort.

Dr. Hema Harsha Delivers Session on Indian Business Law and Intellectual Property Rights

Dr.  Hema Harsha, Associate Professor at Birla Institute of Management, Bengaluru, delivered a comprehensive session exploring key areas of Indian business law for the PGDM students. She began with the Indian Contract Act, 1872, highlighting the essentials of enforceable agreements, the elements of a valid contract, and legal remedies available in case of breach.
 
Dr. Harsha then provided an overview of the Companies Act, focusing on company formation, the significance of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, directors’ responsibilities, and the legal rights of shareholders. She emphasized the importance of well-drafted legal documentation—including contracts, resolutions, and constitutional documents—for ensuring corporate clarity and compliance.
 
The session concluded with an in-depth discussion on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), covering trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, and trade secrets. She explained the procedures for registration, the scope of protection, enforcement mechanisms, and the strategic role of IPR in protecting innovation and enhancing business value.
 
The session offered students valuable legal perspectives relevant to the business world and reinforced the importance of legal literacy for future managers and entrepreneurs.

Shri. C.K. Sabareeshan Delivers an Insightful Session on ESG and the Role of Independent Directors

On June 28, 2025, Shri. C.K. Sabareeshan, Independent Director at BPL Ltd. and Panasonic Appliances Ltd., delivered an engaging session for the PGDM 2024–26 batch on the topic “ESG – Responsibilities and Role of Independent Directors.”
 
Shri. Sabareeshan elaborated on the crucial role independent directors play in upholding ethical governance, providing constructive oversight, and acting in good faith. He discussed ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting standards and highlighted the practical challenges organizations face while implementing ESG frameworks.
 
Drawing from real-life corporate cases such as ICICI, Wells Fargo, and Satyam, he emphasized the importance of sustainable business practices. The session shed light on the relevance of ESG in managing carbon footprints, waste, and renewable energy, while aligning business strategies with stakeholder expectations.
 
The session offered students valuable insights into how corporate governance and ESG go hand-in-hand in today’s dynamic business environment.

Workshop on Stress Management and Work-Life Balance by Dr. Ashish Mohan

Dr. Ashish Mohan, Founder and Principal Consultant at Interactive Management Development and Fellow – BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, Berlin, Germany, conducted an insightful workshop for the PGDM 2024–26 batch on the topic "Stress Management and Work-Life Balance" on June 27, 2025.
 
The workshop featured interactive discussions centered around real-life workplace challenges, enabling students to grasp the critical importance of maintaining mental well-being in a professional setting. Dr. Mohan emphasized the increasing relevance of work-life balance in today’s demanding and fast-paced corporate environment.
 
A key highlight of the session was a case study involving a manager navigating toxic work culture, stress, and burnout. This case offered students a realistic view of how such challenges can affect both professional performance and personal health.
 
The session also included a personality assessment exercise, helping participants gain deeper self-awareness. Dr. Mohan concluded the workshop with practical strategies for managing stress, maintaining focus, and building resilience through discipline, motivation, and self-reflection.

Workshop on Value-Based Selling by Mr. Varun Kumar, Intel Corporation

Mr. Varun Kumar, Segment Lead – Edge Computing Group at Intel Corporation, Bengaluru, conducted an engaging workshop for the PGDM 2024–26 batch on the topic "Practical Approach to Value-Based Selling with Real-Life Case Studies" on June 26, 2025.
 
Drawing from his rich experience in sales, Mr. Varun shared valuable insights into the real-world challenges of engaging with customers and building a successful career in sales. He emphasized the importance of a practical approach to value-based selling and discussed key pricing methodologies that drive sales effectiveness.
 
A key highlight of the session was his introduction to the MEDDPICC sales qualification framework, equipping students with a structured tool for professional sales strategy and execution.
 
The workshop was highly informative and helped bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice, offering students a clear understanding of modern sales approaches and value-driven client engagement.