IIM Jammu pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversary

Jammu: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu commemorated the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by organizing a large-scale cleanliness drive at its Jagti Campus.
In alignment with the “Swachhata Hi Sewa 2024” campaign, IIM Jammu reaffirmed its commitment to hygiene and environmental sustainability under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. Faculty members, officers, staff, and students enthusiastically participated, demonstrating their dedication to maintaining a clean campus and contributing to the broader goal of a healthier nation. The event commenced with participants gathering at the Academic Block, where they collectively took the Swachhata Pledge, emphasizing the significance of cleanliness in daily life. Following the pledge, the participants were divided into ten groups, each comprising students, faculty members, and staff, to conduct a comprehensive cleanliness drive across various areas of the campus. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu emphasized that cleanliness is not just the responsibility of housekeeping staff or specific teams, but a mindset that everyone must adopt. He noted that maintaining the campus is a shared duty and a year-round commitment requiring daily dedication. He talked about the importance of campus unity, stressing that faculty, staff, and students should share a strong bond, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. He appreciated the campus cleanliness drive held today and shared a story about Mahatma Gandhi, where Gandh Ji emphasized “preach what you practice,” encouraging everyone to embody this principle in their lives. He also touched upon the importance of entrepreneurship, highlighting the YUVA scheme developed jointly with Govt of J & K as a significant opportunity for young minds to contribute to nation-building. Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, highlighted the concept of reverse urbanization on the eve of Gandh Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, emphasizing the need to strengthen rural economies and reduce migration to urban centres. He underscored how both leaders envisioned self-reliant villages as the backbone of the nation. Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, and Dr. Rajkumar V, Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Jammu were present during the drive and Dr. Rajesh Sikka, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu was present during the cultural program, actively encouraging and supporting the participants. Their involvement underscored the institution’s collective effort toward maintaining the cleanliness of its campus. In the evening, a cultural program was organized to honor the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Floral tributes were offered as a mark of respect by Prof. B.S Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu and faculty members, and the event featured cultural performances by students coordinated by Malhar Cultural Committee, bringing together the IIM Jammu community for a moment of reflection and celebration. The Cleanliness Drive in the morning hours was organized by the Infrastructure Committee in close coordination with the Student Affairs Office, ensuring the smooth execution of the event. In a statement issued on this occasion the IIM Jammu said it remains steadfast in its mission to inspire positive change, fostering a culture of responsibility, sustainability, and collective excellence as it shapes the leaders of tomorrow.