Gurugram: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in collaboration with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), successfully concluded the second batch of its specialized certification program for senior defence officers. The two-week residential course, held from May 5 to May 16, 2025, at the IICA campus in Manesar, Gurugram, aimed at empowering veterans with corporate governance expertise and preparing them for key roles in India’s dynamic corporate landscape.
The program witnessed the participation of 30 senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, including high-ranking officials such as Air Marshals, Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, Air Vice Marshals, Major Generals, Brigadiers, Colonels, and Group Captains.
The valedictory session was chaired by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General & CEO, IICA, and featured key addresses by Lt. Gen. SBK Singh, SM, Director General, DGR, and Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan. The speakers emphasized the synergy between military discipline and corporate governance, noting that core values like ethics, integrity, and strategic leadership—hallmarks of military service—are directly translatable to the corporate sector.
Lt. Gen. SBK Singh and VAdm. Swaminathan highlighted that these veterans, equipped with rich operational experience, are well-positioned to drive governance reforms, efficiency, and innovation in Indian businesses, especially in the context of the government’s Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision.
Addressing the participants, Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh urged the veterans to actively contribute to nation-building by leveraging their competencies in leadership, planning, and execution. He emphasized that veterans’ transition into corporate roles or entrepreneurial ventures can significantly contribute to the MSME sector and overall employment generation in the country.
He also stressed the importance of aligning veterans’ experience with areas in the private sector where their unique skills can create maximum impact.
Dr. Niraj Gupta, Head of the School of Corporate Governance & Public Policy at IICA, elaborated on the intersection between public governance, military governance, and corporate governance. He noted that the program was designed to introduce participants to:
- The conceptual and regulatory framework of corporate governance,
- The roles and responsibilities of Independent Directors, and
- The strategic contributions veterans can make to corporate boards.
The certification ceremony and closing session were conducted by Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti, Principal Research Associate, and CS Asheesh Kumar, Senior Research Associate at IICA. The IICA, acting as a knowledge partner and regulatory facilitator, continues to serve as a vital bridge between government entities, corporate stakeholders, and policy regulators.
