IMI Bhubaneswar celebrates Eighth Annual Convocation Day on digital platform but in impeccable style and spirit

The Eighth Annual Convocation Day of IMI Bhubaneswar was celebrated amidst much celebration and joy on 27th February 2021 in the presence of leading lights from the industry and academia. The ceremony was conducted on a digital platform to keep up with the needs of the unprecedented times, but it didn’t hamper the spirits and enthusiasm of the graduating batch. They had given their academic goals their best shot in spite of the difficulties faced in the past year and they were rewarded with their diplomas, which will be their bridge to successful corporate careers.

Guests including loved ones of new graduates, and of course, proud faculty members tuned in for the ceremony from all over the country. Shri Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman, Vedanta Resources Limited, was the Chief Guest for the convocation day that also saw the presence of Prof. Ramesh Behl, Director, IMI Bhubaneswar, and Shri Sunil Mitra, Member of the Board of Governors, RPSG Group. They joined in to applaud the new graduates as the ceremony began with the Academic Procession entering the hall.

Shri Sunil Mitra officially declared the convocation open to much cheer all around. The traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries followed by Saraswati Vandana started the proceedings on a thoughtful note. Prof. Ramesh Behl welcomed the guests in his speech and also presented the annual report. In his inspiring talk, he said, “Convocation is an opportunity to celebrate the honour and achievements of our members, also an opportunity to reflect on who we are and what we aspire to.” He then welcomed the students to the glorious alumni community of the B School.

The Annual Report spelt out the achievements for IMI Bhubaneswar, which were no mean feat, considering the unique challenges of the past year. But with effective and swift measures the B School had ensured that its students were not compromised; be it with learning experiences or the placement season. Shri Sunil Mitra talked about it in his speech where he inspired students. “You are the flag bearers of the future. The responsibility lies also on you to strive together to build an environmentally sustainable world,” he added as he talked about the higher purpose of happiness.

His words were followed by the highly anticipated Convocation Address by Shri Anil Agarwal. He instantly struck a chord with the students as he talked about his journey from Bihar to the metropolis of Mumbai and onwards to great heights of success. He recommended looking for innovative, digitalized companies with transparent management when finding a job. “Startup is the mantra for you. I have seen opportunities in Startups that I have not seen in my life before. There are private investors, government support and many opportunities,” he said strongly. 

That dose of motivation set the perfect note to award new graduates with rewards for their hard work. Shri Anil Agarwal declared the names of the medal winners. Prof. Sourabh Sharma (Chairperson Programme) presented the names of 138 graduating students for the award of the degree and Shri Sunil Mitra then awarded the beaming students with their degrees and declared the convocation closed. The students had been equipped with skills and exposure, that will help them make their mark in the new world. The Convocation Day may have closed a chapter in their lives, but this is only the beginning for them.