Jammu IIM launches first-of-its-kind cultural immersion initiative ‘Bandhan'

United News of India

15 hours ago

Jammu, July 27 (UNI) The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu launched first-of-its-kind transformative cultural initiative titled 'Bandhan–a cultural immersion with people of Jammu at the Mandapam Auditorium, Jagti Campus.
As per an official comminique, 'Bandhan' is a first-of-its-kind cultural immersion initiative launched by IIM Jammu to promote social sensitisation, community bonding, and celebration of Dogri culture and heritage.
"To begin with, 412 first-year MBA students will participate, with students grouped in 4–5 and hosted by local families. More than 100 families have already shown interest, and 100 families joined the institute for the formal launch, showcasing overwhelming community support for this powerful cultural movement," said official comminique.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, calling 'Bandhan' a long-awaited dream realised— 'a day of joy, pride, and purpose.'
Reflecting on the remarkable journey of IIM Jammu, he shared how the institute has grown from just 47 students in 2018 to becoming one of the fastest-growing third-generation IIMs in the country.
He acknowledged IIM Jammu's remarkable milestone as the only second-and third-generation IIM to receive both the EFMD Program Accreditation for its MBA Program and the BGA Institutional Accreditation in the same year—underscoring commitment to academic excellence and global standards.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their unwavering support in building a strong educational ecosystem in the region of Jammu and Kashmir with IIM Jammu working in close synergy alongside IIT Jammu and AIIMS Jammu.
Describing 'Bandhan' as more than a cultural exchange, Prof. Sahay called it 'a soulful bridge that connects people, not just places—a step toward nation-building through empathy and tradition.' He positioned IIM Jammu as Mini India with Global Vision—deeply rooted in Dogra heritage and aligned with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat mission.
He proudly shared that more than 100 families have shown interest in this unique program to promote Jammu's Dogri culture and heritage.
'Bandhan stands for—where hearts meet, stories unfold, and the soul of India is reflected through cultural amalgamation,' he concluded.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries who lauded the initiative. Padma Shri Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri, a renowned Dogri scholar, brought poetic elegance to the ceremony as he spoke of Jammu as a land where culture lives in every home and tradition.
Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor (Retd.) President, J&K Ex Services League commended IIM Jammu and the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu calling it one of the country's finest institutions.
He emphasised the need for deeper cultural immersion and suggested adopting widows and their children as a social initiative. Citing heroes like Gen. Zorawar Singh and Brig. Rajinder Singh, he urged integration of Jammu's military legacy into academic discourse.
Soujanya Sharma, Former Civil Servant, spoke of Jammu's rich heritage—from the tales of Jambu Lochan to historic routes like Katra-Jagti—and invited students to explore the cultural and spiritual soul of the region.
Maj. Gen. Sunita Kapoor (Retd.), Executive Member, J&K Ex Services League highlighted Duggar Pradesh's traditions of revering women, such as Kanya Pujan and Jashakti Puja, emphasizing the region's cultural balance of Shakti and Shiva.
Padma Shri Dr. S.P. Verma lauded Bandhan as a bridge across generations and cultures, drawing parallels with Gandhian ideals and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Rakesh Wazir, Chairperson, PHD Chamber of Commerce (Jammu Region) and President, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra, praised the visionary approach of Director, IIM Jammu and IIM Jammu's world-class infrastructure, noting it surpasses even five-star experiences and proposed hosting 100 students for immersive cultural and culinary experiences.
He echoed the vision of PM Narendra Modi, emphasising that true love lies in sacrifice and community spirit.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, described Jammu as both the City of Temples and a rising hub of higher education.
As part of Bandhan, students of IIM Jammu engage in a thoughtfully curated series of experiential activities that immerse them in the cultural and social fabric of the region.
Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu delivered the vote of thanks, reaffirming Bandhan as a platform where the boundaries between classroom and community dissolve to create holistic and transformative learning. UNI VBH SSP