Education Is Relevant Only When It Helps You Grow, Adapt, and Contribute to Society: Dr. P. Dwarkanath | 36th Foundation Day | AIMS

New Delhi (01 September 2025): The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) marked its 36th Foundation Day in New Delhi with the theme “The Role of Higher Education in Making India a Developed Nation by 2047.” The prestigious event brought together renowned academicians, policymakers, corporate leaders, and educators to deliberate on the transformative role of education in shaping India’s future.

The celebration featured keynote addresses, engaging panel discussions, and awards recognizing excellence in management education and leadership. Among the highlights was the felicitation of prominent women achievers, including Richa Singh, CEO of YourDOST, for her impactful contributions to mental health awareness and leadership development.

Dr. P. Dwarkanath Emphasizes Human Capital, Innovation, and Ethical Leadership

The Chief Guest for the event, Dr. P. Dwarkanath, Chancellor of IILM University and former Chairman of GSK Consumer Healthcare India, delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address. Reflecting on his journey of over five decades in the corporate sector, Dr. Dwarkanath underscored the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and inclusive education in the rapidly evolving global landscape.

I was never a brilliant student, nor a doctor. But I spent over 40 years in one organization, rising from management trainee to chairman. I never imagined I’d become a Chancellor one day. It happened because my company gave me the chance to interact with academia. Education is relevant only when it helps you grow, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to society, said Dr. Dwarkanath. He emphasized that leadership in today’s world extends beyond the classroom. He stated that while degrees have their place, it is innovation, human capital, and the ability to evolve that truly define success.

Everything is not taught in classrooms. A good student shouldn’t just know the answer, but understand why a question is being asked in the first place, he noted.

Dwarkanath stressed the significance of P.R.E.S.T.E — a framework combining Political, Regulatory, Economic, Social, Technological, and Environmental awareness — for future leaders. He cited examples from the tech industry, pointing out how Apple succeeded over Sony not just through technology but through strategic leadership and decision-making.

If we want to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, we must start now. It’s not just about competition anymore — collaboration is key. COVID-19 vaccines were developed by companies that were once competitors. This is the spirit we need, he added.

Leadership Lessons and Education for the Future

Drawing from his corporate journey, Dr. Dwarkanath emphasized values, ethics, and adaptability as essential qualities for future leaders. He encouraged institutions to focus not only on student development but also on empowering faculty with updated knowledge and industry insights.

Today, you can be on top, but if you don’t evolve, you won’t stay there. Sustainability is the real success mantra. Education must be incubative, inclusive, and aligned with real-world needs. Management institutions should go beyond degrees and create job-givers, not just job-seekers, he urged. He also proposed the establishment of an Association of Indian Management Services on the lines of Indian Statistical Services, to institutionalize management talent for national development.

Vision for Collaboration Between Industry and Academia

In an exclusive interview with Ten News Network, Dr. Dwarkanath lauded AIMS for reaching this important milestone.

Celebrating the 36th Foundation Day is truly a remarkable achievement,” said Dr. Dwarkanath. “Very few institutions have the resilience to grow, sustain, and evolve over such a long period. My compliments to the founders and the organizers of AIMS for their continued dedication to excellence in management education.

With a distinguished career straddling both corporate leadership and academia, Dr. Dwarkanath offered his perspective on how these two spheres must work in synergy.

For India to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, it is imperative that industry and academia collaborate closely. This must be a three-pronged effort involving the government, leveraging technology, and fostering joint innovation between educational institutions and businesses.

He further emphasized the central role of education in national development.

Education is the key driver of progress. While technology and economic reforms play a role, the foundation lies in developing the right human capital. If we can nurture, coach, and groom today’s youth effectively, they will become the leaders of tomorrow. The next two decades must focus on this transformation.

Drawing from his leadership experience at GSK, Dr. Dwarkanath outlined the qualities that future professionals must cultivate.

Leadership in any field requires resilience, innovation, and the ability to adapt to change. These are not just corporate values—they apply equally to the academic world. A good education goes beyond textbooks; it builds character and shapes responsible citizens.

When asked about how institutions like IILM University contribute to student development, Dr. Dwarkanath highlighted its longstanding legacy and global outlook.

IILM has a strong pedigree and has been imparting quality education for over three decades. The university’s approach to management education is holistic—students are encouraged to not just focus on classroom learning but to develop a global perspective with an ‘outside-in’ approach.

Concluding the interview, Dr. Dwarkanath offered some sage advice for aspiring management professionals: Develop a mindset of ‘I learn it all’ rather than ‘I know it all.’ Completing a degree is just the beginning. To thrive in the corporate world, one must continuously learn, relearn, and even unlearn.

The AIMS Foundation Day served as a powerful reminder of the crucial intersection between education and industry in shaping India’s future trajectory. The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS), established in 1988, represents over 600 top business schools in India. AIMS plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of management education, fostering research, and promoting industry-academia partnerships across the country.

The 36th Foundation Day served as a testament to AIMS’ commitment to driving educational excellence and building a stronger, more inclusive India through empowered leadership and innovation.

---

Dear Readers and Viewers, Please note that tennews.in: National News Portal daily publishes latest and top ten news from government, politics, national, business, education, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, health etc ten categories. You may submit your e mail and subscribe it to get updates on your e mail.  Please also subscribe TEN NEWS NATIONAL YouTube Channel.