IIM Calcutta Chairperson Emphasizes Higher-Order Skills in Convocation Address
In a significant address at the convocation ceremony of IIM Calcutta, the chairperson of the board of governors, M Jagadesh Kumar, called upon graduating students to prioritize the development of higher-order skills. He highlighted that as automation continues to transform the workplace, capabilities such as judgment, creativity, deep domain knowledge, teamwork, and ethical reasoning have become increasingly crucial.
Navigating Major Shifts in Knowledge, Workplace, and Power
During his speech, Kumar outlined three critical spheres experiencing profound changes: knowledge, workplace, and power. He pointed out that while we live in an era of abundant information, the real challenge lies in converting this information into actionable knowledge. "To achieve this, you must cultivate the ability to question, validate, verify, and examine critically," Kumar emphasized.
Regarding the workplace, he noted that automation is reshaping many traditional roles, making it essential for professionals to focus on skills that machines cannot easily replicate. "If you aim to contribute meaningfully, you must adapt quickly, engage in continuous learning, and lead with a clear sense of purpose," he added, urging graduates to embrace these principles for long-term success.
Convocation Highlights and Achievements
The ceremony celebrated the academic accomplishments of numerous students. A total of 459 individuals from the 61st batch of the two-year flagship MBA program received their degrees, alongside 90 students from the one-year MBAEx program. Additionally, diplomas and certificates were conferred on 40 participants of the PG Programme for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM). The institute also awarded PhD degrees to 12 scholars.
Praveer Sinha, the Managing Director and CEO of The Tata Power Company Ltd., served as the chief guest for the event, adding prestige to the occasion.
Cultural Integration and Institutional Excellence
In a nod to local heritage, the convocation attire featured Kantha stitching, a traditional Bengali needlework art form. Director Alok Kumar Rai explained, "We want our students to carry a piece of Bengal with them wherever they go, symbolizing their connection to this rich cultural backdrop."
Rai also highlighted IIM Calcutta's commitment to nurturing leaders who are not only professionally adept but also socially conscious and globally relevant. He shared notable rankings: the flagship MBA program secured the 50th position globally and third in India in the QS Master's in Management Rankings 2026, while the MBAEx program ranked 64th worldwide, 11th in Asia, and third nationally in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026.
Furthermore, the institute's accreditation achievements were underscored, with re-accreditation by AACSB International for six years and by EFMD EQUIS for three years, reinforcing its standing as a premier educational institution.
