Jammu: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu concluded a three-day Leadership Skills for Managers – Trekking-Based Management Development Programme (MDP) for officials of NTPC Limited, a Maharatna company of the Government of India.
The valedictory ceremony was held at the Arjuna Classroom, Academic Block, Jagti Campus. It was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, and graced by Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, along with Programme Directors Prof. Mahesh Gadekar and Dr. Naveen Goyal.
Conducted from February 23–25, 2026, in the serene environs of the Lower Himalayas, the programme was designed to integrate experiential learning with adventure-based leadership development, including a trek to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The immersive format focused on resilience, team leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking in dynamic environments.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Jabir Ali described the three days of training as meaningful and enriching. He encouraged participants to document their learnings and share best practices within their organisations. Emphasising the importance of acknowledging contributions, he noted that such habits strengthen leadership character. He also underlined the need for continuous skill development in today’s evolving professional landscape and suggested exploring long-duration programmes, doctoral studies, or postgraduate education—even after retirement—for those inclined towards academia.
Prof. Prashant Mishra appreciated the participants’ active engagement, stating that feedback is vital as IIM Jammu continuously strives to innovate and improve its programmes. He described training programmes as a two-way learning process, where participants’ insights enrich classroom discussions and contribute to institutional growth, adding that engaged participants often become “gurus” for faculty through their experiences and reflections.
Presenting the programme report, Prof. Mahesh Gadekar highlighted key takeaways from the intensive three-day engagement, particularly resilience in leadership. He noted that as professionals grow within their organisations and lead larger teams, adaptability becomes crucial. He added that the programme was carefully conceptualised to blend classroom sessions with experiential outdoor learning and encouraged participants to stay connected with IIM Jammu for future engagements.
During the reflection session, participants described the programme as excellent in both design and delivery. They appreciated the case-based teaching methodology, insightful classroom sessions, and the transformative experience of the Vaishno Devi trek. Many noted that the programme provided an opportunity not only to learn but also to pause and reflect. The overall arrangements and facilities were also praised.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates. Dr. Naveen Goyal delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the institute’s leadership, faculty, organising team, and participants. The event ended with the National Anthem.
The completion of this innovative trekking-based MDP underscores IIM Jammu’s commitment to experiential, industry-relevant, and future-oriented leadership development aligned with the vision of building resilient and responsible managers for a Viksit Bharat. The programme was coordinated by IIM Jammu’s Executive Education and Consultancy wing.DD
