Human Talent Is the Most Critical Resource Without It, Nothing Can Be Achieved: AIMS President, Prof. R.K. Patra | 36th Foundation Day

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.

In his address, the President highlighted AIMS’s transformative journey since its inception on August 27, 1988, under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act. Over 36 years, AIMS has grown into a key force in Indian management education, promoting academic collaboration, setting quality benchmarks, and representing Indian business schools on global platforms. The AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA), introduced in 2000, was acknowledged as a significant step in providing a national-level, AICTE-approved entrance exam for MBA aspirants.

The President emphasized the relevance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, describing it as a transformative framework that aligns with AIMS’s mission. He noted AIMS’s proactive efforts in organizing faculty development programs and conferences to help institutions align curricula with the NEP’s multidisciplinary, flexible, and industry-integrated approach.

Technological disruption, especially the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, was acknowledged as a defining force in modern business education. AIMS member institutions are actively embedding these technologies into teaching and research to prepare future leaders for a tech-driven economy. At the same time, the President stressed the importance of ethical leadership and mental well-being, urging management schools to nurture professionals who are not only skilled but also compassionate and responsible.

Reflecting on the global disruptions impacting business and society, the President called on India’s youth to embody the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, creating enterprises that are globally competitive yet deeply rooted in Indian values. He underscored the role of MBA graduates as change-makers—leaders capable of balancing innovation with ethics, and global strategies with local needs.

In conclusion, the President reaffirmed AIMS’s commitment to enhancing the quality and relevance of management education through strong industry partnerships, a research-driven approach, and holistic student development. He called on all stakeholders to continue building a future-ready, ethically grounded cadre of leaders who will contribute to India’s progress toward Viksit Bharat.

Let us not only celebrate AIMS’s legacy but also embrace the future with conviction, compassion, and a collective purpose, he said, closing his speech

Speaking exclusively to Ten News Network, AIMS President Prof. R.K. Patra shared insights on the organization’s vision, challenges, and future roadmap for Indian management institutions.

Founded 36 years ago, AIMS is a non-profit networking body representing management schools across the country. Its primary role lies in policy advocacy, working closely with regulatory bodies such as AICTE, UGC, and AIU to safeguard the interests of its member institutions. We are concerned about the holistic development of our member institutions, faculty, students, and staff, Prof. Patra emphasized.

AIMS undertakes a range of initiatives including national and international conferences, faculty development workshops, student skill-building programs, and competitions aimed at nurturing excellence. Its flagship annual event, the National Management Convention, will be hosted this year at Shoa University, Bhubaneswar, on December 11–13, bringing together participants from across India. Distinguished awards such as the Best Teacher Award, Best Faculty Award, Best Director Award, and Research Scholars Award will also be conferred during the event.

On the evolving role of management education, Prof. Patra highlighted the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and rapid technological changes. Classroom teaching is no longer limited to chalk and talk or PPTs. With AI, ML, and Python entering academics, integrating technology into teaching and learning has become a big challenge, he noted. The entry of 14–16 foreign universities into India has further intensified competition, making strategic adaptation crucial for Indian management institutes.

When asked about the major challenges facing management schools today, Prof. Patra identified industry–institute collaboration, technology adoption, and shortage of quality faculty as the top concerns. To address these, AIMS has been actively sponsoring workshops, seminars, and training programs that bridge the gap between academia and industry. Unless application-based knowledge is imparted, conceptual clarity alone is not enough. Strong industry-institute relationships are essential for students’ and faculty’s skill development, he added.

Reacting to the suggestion of introducing an Association of Management Services, Prof. Patra said the aim should be to create awareness campaigns across institutions and stakeholders to face challenges collectively.

In his message to young educationists and students, Prof. Patra underlined the critical role of human resources. Machines and finance are important, but without skilled and trained human resources, nothing can be achieved. Our focus is on upgrading human talent so that they are fully prepared to meet challenges and achieve targets.

The 36th Foundation Day celebration of AIMS not only highlighted the association’s achievements but also reinforced its commitment to shaping the future of management education in India. The event reaffirmed AIMS’ dedication to educational excellence, inclusive leadership, and innovation.

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