Rajouri :The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded the five-day residential Advanced Management Development Programme (Batch–4) under the Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises on 13th March 2026.
The programme was conducted from 09th to 13th March 2026 at the MDP Centre, Dharma 268, Academic Block, IIM Jammu Jagti Campus, reflecting the institute’s continued commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise leadership in India. Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research presided over the inaugural ceremony. Present during the valedictory ceremony were Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, EE&C, IIM Jammu; Dr. Praveen Kumar, Programme Director and Dr. Shivani Sachdev, Programme Director, IIM Jammu. The programme was organized under the scheme of the Development Commissioner (MSME) and aimed at equipping entrepreneurs and professionals with advanced managerial capabilities, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial competencies to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in the country.
The five-day residential programme brought together 25 participants from across India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
The wide geographical representation reflected the programme’s strong national outreach and diverse participation, as professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs travelled to Jammu & Kashmir to engage in an immersive learning experience at one of India’s premier management institutions.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, in his address encouraged participants to translate their learning into impactful entrepreneurial ventures and sustainable enterprise models. He underscored the critical role of MSMEs in India’s economic development and appreciated the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, for enabling such initiatives that bring together entrepreneurs and professionals from diverse parts of the country. He also stated that the programme aligns with the institute’s focus on strengthening entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and employment generation.
He highlighted that Indian Institute of Management Jammu has developed impactful models such as the YUVA Mission and the Small Business Development Unit (SBDU) model to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent and facilitate the transition of enterprises from the informal to the formal sector. He noted that the institute has undertaken several initiatives, including business accelerator programmes, to provide entrepreneurs with meaningful insights and opportunities for growth. Emphasizing the importance of peer learning, he remarked that the value generated through such programmes multiplies when entrepreneurs learn from each other, as businesses cannot grow in isolation. He further added that such platforms help participants build strong professional networks and social capital, encouraging them to remain connected with IIM Jammu, share their achievements and growth journeys, and continue engaging with the institute in the future.
Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, EE&C, Indian Institute of Management Jammu, expressed happiness at the enthusiasm and cheerful participation of the entrepreneurs, noting that it reflects the positive learning environment created during the programme. He remarked that the role of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Commercialization (EE&C) team is to act as a bridge connecting academia, industry, and students, thereby accelerating the process of entrepreneurial learning and collaboration.
Emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s competitive environment, he encouraged participants to aspire to become job creators rather than job seekers. He added that as part of the IIM Jammu family, participants are always welcome to stay connected with the institute, share their experiences, and explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration in the future.
The Valedictory Ceremony was held on 13th March 2026 at the Jagti Campus. The programme began with the Welcome Address and Programme Report by Dr. Praveen Kumar, Programme Director, who highlighted the key learning outcomes, interactive sessions, and collaborative engagements that marked the programme.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative undertaken under the Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, noting that such initiatives create meaningful capacity-building platforms that strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities across the country.
They also acknowledged the efforts of the Indian Institute of Management Jammu in delivering the programme with high academic standards, rigorous learning modules, and an engaging pedagogical approach that provided practical insights into enterprise development, leadership, innovation, and business growth.Sharing their reflections, participants described the programme as an inspiring and comprehensive learning experience.
They remarked that the sessions encouraged them to absorb knowledge “like a sponge,” highlighting the value of peer learning, collaborative discussions, and shared experiences throughout the residential programme. Participants appreciated the exposure to contemporary management practices, entrepreneurial frameworks, and policy perspectives related to MSME development, which enhanced their understanding of enterprise growth and leadership.
They also commended the interactive teaching approach of the faculty at IIM Jammu, noting that the openness of discussions, including occasional interactions in Hindi, added a personal and inclusive touch to the learning process. Participants further highlighted the pleasant campus environment and refreshing weather of Jammu, which contributed to a comfortable and motivating academic atmosphere. Encouraging fellow participants to remain connected, they expressed hope that the cohort would continue to stay active as a network, supporting each other’s entrepreneurial journeys and serving as torchbearers of innovation and enterprise development in their respective regions.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of photographs, recognizing their completion of the programme. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Shivani Sachdev, Programme Director, who expressed gratitude to the Ministry of MSME, the institute leadership, faculty members, and participants for contributing to the success of the programme. The event culminated with the National Anthem.
Through initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP), IIM Jammu continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, nurturing innovation-driven enterprises, and supporting the vision of building a robust and globally competitive MSME sector. The programme was jointly coordinated by office of the Small Business Development Units, IIM Jammu in collaboration with IIM Jammu Executive Education and Consultancy.
