Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates ‘Rangavati Centre of Excellence’ at IIM Sambalpur

Sambalpur: The ongoing 9th PAN-IIM World Management Conference at IIM Sambalpur witnessed the inauguration of the ‘Rangavati Centre of Excellence in Cultural and Sustainable Management’ by Union Minister for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan.

During the inauguration address, Minister Pradhan highlighted the center’s primary focus on research in art, literature, culture, and history, with a special emphasis on textiles, specifically pertaining to western Odisha. He expressed confidence that the center would emerge as a hub for preserving Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, encompassing dances, traditional songs, nature worship, and the state’s diverse culinary traditions.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by eminent personalities, including Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact, S N Tripathi, DG, IIPA, New Delhi, and Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte, as per the press release issued by the institution.

The event also saw the presence of prominent directors of various IIMs, such as Prof. BS Sahay of IIM Jammu, Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni of IIM Kashipur, Prof. Bhimaraya Metri of IIM Nagpur, and Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh of IIM Trichy.

Emphasizing the importance of 3D disruptions – Digitalization, Decarbonization, and Democratization, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, stated that the world is undergoing transformative changes through these three dimensions. He highlighted India’s potential to lead in digital disruptions, citing initiatives like UIDAI and UPI. Prof. Jaiswal also announced that the Rangavati Centre of Excellence would feature an open theatre showcasing the vibrant art and culture of the region.

Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte, underscored the significance of innovation in India’s growth, emphasizing collaboration, sustainability, and digital governance. He stressed the need for a holistic approach to innovation, citing examples like Chandrayaan, Malcolm McLean’s containerization, and Indian companies like Ceat that revolutionized the logistics industry.