PGDM Induction Programme 2025–27
Day 1 — Tue, 15 July 2025: The cohort began with “Pune Darshan,” a city-and-heritage immersion covering landmarks like Shivsrushti and Shinde Chhatri. Faculty wove in reflections on leadership, strategy, and resilience drawn from local history, while the shared travel experience jump-started peer bonding. Students returned with a sense of place, early friendships, and a working appreciation of IMDR’s ethos of learning beyond classrooms.
Day 2 — Wed, 16 July 2025: Dr. Pawan Agrawal’s Mumbai Dabbawalas talk set the tone on precision, reliability, and customer delight, underscoring that “progress happens in discomfort.” This was followed by Sachin Phanshikar (COO, Business Standard) on adaptability, AI, and the importance of strong professional communication. The day closed with energetic ice-breakers and management games (A–Z ideation, Mad-Ad), nudging teams to collaborate fast and present with clarity.
Day 3 — Thu, 17 July 2025 Alumni mapped the campus journey to career readiness—goal clarity, time management, and “learning by doing” via committees. Prof. Pratik Potdar’s Universal Human Values session built a vocabulary for empathy and ethical reasoning across cultures. In the afternoon, an NLP workshop by Ms. Riddhima Dua introduced tools for self-awareness, reframing feedback, and managing one’s state—practical mindsets for the rigour ahead.
Day 4 — Fri, 18 July 2025 A brand-building keynote—“From Farm to Fame: Building a Purpose-Driven Brand Mapro” by Mr. Mayur Vora (MD, Mapro Foods)—spotlighted how purpose, consistency, and values create durable brands. Students heard first-hand how clarity of mission informs product choices, communication, and community engagement, connecting classroom theory to successful Indian brand story.
Day 5 — Sat, 19 July 2025 The Talent Hunt transformed the Quadrangle into a stage for 31 performances across music, dance, stand-up, poetry, shayari, and drama. Beyond entertainment, it served as a confidence lab—students conquered stage fright, discovered teammates with complementary skills, and experienced the creative energy that often fuels clubs, committees, and campus initiatives throughout the year.
Day 6 — Mon, 21 July 2025 Part I of the IMDR Committees orientation introduced key bodies—Industry & Career Development, Academics & Examination, Media & PR, Research & Publications, and Entrepreneurship/CSR—clarifying mandates and student roles. A powerful drum-circle session by Siddhant Hingmare then translated teamwork into rhythm, teaching listening, synchrony, and adaptive leadership through non-verbal collaboration.
Day 7 — Tue, 22 July 2025 Soham Dadarkar’s “Maverick Minds” used drama-based exercises to simulate entrepreneurial ambiguity—ideating quickly, iterating under time pressure, and pitching succinctly. A panel with founders/leaders (Chakor Gandhi, Mukund Altekar, Ramesh Mirakhur, Advait Kurlekar) distilled lessons on vision, product-market fit, purpose-led teams, and disciplined growth—peppered with memorable, down-to-earth insights.
Day 8 — Wed, 23 July 2025 Finance took centre stage with Dr. Anil Lamba’s “Romancing the Balance Sheet,” contrasting good vs. bad finance and decoding value lenses (face/book/market). Committee Orientation Part II (Admissions & Student/Staff Welfare/ICC, Library, Accreditation & QA, Alumni/Consultancy/IR) completed the governance picture. A reflective screening of Up tied goals, resilience, and teamwork into a gentle, memorable narrative.
Day 9 — Thu, 24 July 2025 Cyber risk experts Rohit Srivastwa and Aalok Karnik (KAS Cyber Ventures) reframed cybersecurity as a strategic management function. Students explored threat types (phishing, ransomware), digital hygiene, control frameworks and KPIs, plus pathways into cybersecurity and cyber law. The big takeaway: personal vigilance and institutional controls must work together to manage modern risk.
Day 10 — Fri, 25 July 2025 Shri P. C. Nambiar (Serum Institute) spoke on ethical leadership—cultivating flexible minds, privileging inquiry over assumption, and applying knowledge wisely; with a Gita-anchored reminder that results are embedded in actions. A Fergusson College heritage walk connected students to a 130-year academic legacy. Alumnus Anjali Patil (’87–’89) closed with personal branding—first impressions, presence, and thoughtful use of social media.
Day 11 — Sat, 26 July 2025The band After Sunset performed a lively campus concert from retro hits to 90s pop, showing how creativity complements professionalism. Dedications, felicitation, and a warm vote of thanks turned it into a memorable community evening, strengthening cohort bonding and offering a refreshing cultural break.
Day 12 — Mon, 28 July 2025In the session “From Insight to Impact—AI Tools”, Amay Pangarkar demonstrated practical AI applications. Students created brand assets using tools like Namelix, Gamma, Leonardo.ai, Steve.ai, PosterMyWall, and ChatGPT. The key message: Human + Artificial Intelligence = Sustainable Intelligence, relevant for academics and careers ahead.
Day 13 — Tue, 29 July 2025 (Bridge Course—Accounting)The Accounting bridge course refreshed core concepts—accounting equation, double-entry, and journal–ledger–trial balance flow. Students practiced preparing financial statements and interpreting profitability, liquidity, and solvency. Afternoon presentations assessed understanding and communication skills.
Day 14 — Wed, 30 July 2025 (Bridge Course—Excel)The Excel bridge course built essential analytical skills. Sessions covered interface fluency, data cleaning, formulas (SUMIF/S, COUNTIF/S, AVERAGEIF/S), and quick dashboards. Students learned faster, cleaner dataset handling and visual summaries. Afternoon presentations showcased learning outcomes.
Day 15 — Thu, 31 July 2025 (Bridge Course—Statistics)The Statistics bridge course focused on data types, central tendency, and dispersion. Students learned when to use mean, median, or mode and gained confidence interpreting variability and normality. Post-lunch sessions included the Director’s Address and academic orientation on engagement and expectations.
Induction Report 2024
Day 1: The Institute of Management Development and Research (IMDR), Pune, inaugurated its induction program for the 2024-26 management batch with a vibrant ceremony at the Amphitheatre, Fergusson College Campus. The event featured an inspiring inaugural address by Mr. Denny V. Thomas from the National Payments Corporation of India, who emphasized the value of IMDR’s curriculum in shaping his career, highlighting key concepts like Systems Thinking and the importance of Learning, Self-Awareness, and Discipline (LSD). Insights from Mr. Jagdish Kadam of Rajpath Infracon Pvt Ltd. reinforced the significance of networking and opportunities in India's growing economy. The session concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving the new batch motivated for their academic journey. This was followed by a curriculum discussion led by Prof. Pritha Ubgade and Prof. Shaunak Mainkar, who provided students with a comprehensive understanding of their academic program, resources, and expectations, ensuring they were well-prepared. Additionally, Dr. Suraj Kamble and Dr. Sanmath Shetty facilitated a "Breaking the Ice" session with interactive activities, fostering camaraderie among students and creating a supportive learning environment.
Day 2: The day 2 was session by Mr. Soham Dadarkar, where he discussed the evolution of business over the past century, starting with Parle’s launch in 1929 and leading up to Unicorn Startups in 2022. He emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs focusing on freedom, creativity, personal satisfaction, and societal impact. Drama-based learning was highlighted as a crucial educational tool, and the continuous nature of entrepreneurship was underscored, with a focus on the importance of asking questions. He also stressed the need for entrepreneurs to identify customer segments like B2B and B2C, maintain a clear vision, communicate effectively, and uphold discipline and self-belief. The session concluded with references to various entrepreneurship-related events and resources, such as E Chai meetups, EDII Ahmedabad, and the Startup India website.
The panel discussion featured insights from prominent entrepreneurs Mrs. Savita Modak, COO & Co-founder of Insight Technologies Private Limited; Dr. Anita Kshetri, Co-Founder of Whizz Confectionary LLP; Mr. Raghvendra Ponkshe, IP commercialization expert and entrepreneur; and Mr. Siddharth Runwal, Founder of Provilac. Mr. Hrishikesh Khaladkar introduced the panelists, and Dr. Anita Kshetri moderated the session. The panelists emphasized the importance of having a clear vision, supported by essential personal and interpersonal skills such as consistency, persistence, patience, and integrity. They also highlighted the necessity of staying updated with analytical skills and domain knowledge. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to seek support from family, peers, and friends, with passion, rather than financial gain, driving their ventures.
Day 3: The Pune Darshan tour on July 18, 2024, was an enriching and educational experience for the participants. Through visits to prominent landmarks such as the Aga Khan Palace, National War Memorial, Shinde Chhatri, Dagdusheth Temple, Lal Mahal, and Shaniwar Wada, the students gained insights into Pune's rich history and cultural heritage. The tour not only fostered a deeper connection between the students and the city's past but also allowed them to document their experiences through captivating photographs. This year's tour was particularly enjoyable, with students having a lot of fun while learning and exploring. This immersive exploration contributed to the students' overall knowledge and appreciation of Pune's historical significance.
Day 4: The day at IMDR began with a motivating address by Dr. Shikha Jain, the Director of IMDR, who welcomed the new students and congratulated them on choosing IMDR for their academic journey. She emphasized the institute's rich legacy and its strong global alumni network, highlighting that IMDR's influence extends far beyond its campus. Dr. Jain advised students to focus on quality inputs to achieve quality outputs and introduced the "8+8+8" strategy, encouraging them to dedicate eight hours to honest work, eight hours to sound sleep, and eight hours to leisure and socializing. She stressed the importance of consistent effort, hard work, and resilience in the face of failure, encouraging students to stay focused on the present moment while building their personalities through learning and exploration. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Abhijeet Shivane, summarizing the key points.
In the second session, Dr. Abhijeet Shivane emphasized the importance of student involvement in various committees and introduced the heads of these committees to the new students. The session provided an overview of the student-led committees at IMDR, including the Training and Placement Committee, Internship Committee, and Industry Interface Committee, which play crucial roles in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Additionally, the Media and Admission Committee, Students Activities Committee, Research and Development Committee, and Library & Knowledge Resources Committee were introduced, highlighting their contributions to campus life and student development. The session also covered the work of the IQAC, NBA, and NIRF AIU committees, which, although not involving students directly, play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of education and opportunities at the institute. This introduction aimed to encourage new students to engage with these committees, fostering personal growth, skill development, and networking opportunities, thus enriching their overall educational experience.
In second session. Dr. Preeti Karmarkar, Chief Functionary at Nari Samata Manch, Pune, guided the students through the crucial topic of sexual harassment, discussing its origins, legal framework, and the grey areas within this sensitive issue. She highlighted the significance of the PoSH Act, 2013, outlining the roles of employers and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), complaint procedures, and the consequences of non-compliance. Key points from the session included the recognition of sexual harassment as a form of gender-based violence, the need for gender sensitivity, the importance of understanding that "No means No," and the necessity of fostering a respectful and abuse-free environment. Dr. Karmarkar also addressed the challenges of toxic femininity and masculinity, urging students to adopt a bias-free approach, support victims, and avoid participating in harmful behaviors like bullying or harassment. The session was a comprehensive guide on creating a safe and inclusive environment both within academic institutions and the workplace.
Day 5: The Talent Hunt Event was a resounding success, showcasing a remarkable array of talents and leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. The event was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of art, culture, and community spirit. The diverse performances demonstrated the incredible talents of the participants, highlighting their hard work and dedication. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments, reflecting the extraordinary creativity that exists within our community.
Day 6: Ms Riddhima Dua, an esteemed alumna from the batch of 2005-07, was the highlight of Day 6 of the Induction of the PGDM I Batch 2024-26. She emphasized that the mind is a controllable entity, highlighting techniques within NLP that enable individuals to manage their thoughts and emotions effectively. The students were amazed when they came to know that confidence was is as a product of internal state rather than an external trait. Later, techniques to cultivate a confident state of mind were explored.
Day 7: The event commenced with a surge of excitement as seniors Siddique Tamboli, Sanjana Dhole, Shravani Bhatkar, Atharva Talan, Tanishq Ranjane, and Reuel Shrisundar were welcomed, introduced, and felicitated. They shared their experiences at IMDR, emphasizing how the institution's grooming prepared them for the corporate world, and provided valuable advice on the skills students should develop while still in college. The discussion also highlighted the significance of participating in various committees and maintaining work-life balance. The interaction with the audience was lively, as students sought insights into life at IMDR and future placement prospects. This engaging session concluded with an impactful presentation on Universal Human Values by Professor Pratik Potdar, who used a blend of movies and videos to illustrate the core values of sympathy, empathy, and compassion, particularly in the Indian context. The day wrapped up with the introduction of a mix of Regular and Statutory Committees, including the Academics Committee, Examination Committee, and more, helping students make informed choices about their participation. The program ended with a vote of thanks and instructions for the next day's activities.
Day 8: The AI and Digital Marketing Workshop featured Dr. Amay Pangarkar, a TEDx speaker and Google-certified digital marketer, with his team members Madhavi Nadkarni and Prasad. Introduced by Mr. Hrishikesh Khaladkar and moderated by Dr. Anita Kshetri, the event began with a session on the importance of AI tools and their impact on various job roles, highlighting the need for continuous upskilling due to technological advancements. Participants engaged in a hands-on activity where they created digital assets using tools like Namelix.com and Steve.ai. The second session covered AI tools for academic and professional purposes, including those for presentations, mind maps, and personal profiles, and explored the power of ChatGPT with an emphasis on crafting effective prompts. The workshop concluded with prize distributions for the competition winners and certificates for all attendees.
Day 9: Day 9 of the Induction Program at the Institute of Management Development and Research (IMDR) was a delightful and melodious experience. The students were treated to a special musical afternoon, featuring the renowned band, Lambada. This event was designed to offer a relaxing and entertaining break from the intensive induction schedule, allowing the students to unwind and bond over music.
Day 10: On day 10, Mr. Aalok Karnik, who, along with Shweta Chawla, led a detailed discussion on the importance of cybersecurity for organizations. The session commenced with an overview of why cybersecurity is crucial, followed by a historical review of notable cyber attacks globally and their impact on individuals and organizations. Emphasis was placed on the need for coordination between people, processes, and technology to achieve balanced growth. The discussion highlighted the critical role of management in responding to cyber attacks, including the study of Business Continuity Plans (BCP), Incident Response (IR), and Disaster Recovery (DR). Additional topics covered included leadership responsibilities in cybersecurity, strategy building, risk assessments, and budget approvals. Key points of focus were identifying and evaluating cybersecurity risks, implementing mitigation measures, and ongoing monitoring. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, addressing queries from the audience.
Session by Sandeep Karnik was also conducted, who discussed the Company Secretary career path and various roles available during PGDM studies. He also explored additional career options such as CFA, wealth management, actuarial science, cyber laws, IPR, CSR, and advanced courses abroad.
Apart from the above sessions, bridge courses on the basics of statistics, basics of accounting and introduction to Excel were conducted.