Sambalpur, (thestates.news) | One of the premier B- Schools of India, The Indian
Institute of Management Sambalpur, (IIM Sambalpur), in collaboration with the Sambalpur
Public Library (SPL) is pioneering a new model of community learning through its flagship
Grooming Students Programme. This initiative aims to provide a holistic learning
platform for high school students from the Sambalpur Municipality, fostering their all-
round development.
The Grooming Students Programme is a part of the ongoing Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU), signed between IIM Sambalpur and Sambalpur Public Library
sharing the vision of democratizing education and extending learning beyond classrooms.
Every Sunday, 45 experts including from the faculty members from IIM Sambalpur to
other institutions conduct interactive sessions Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information
Technology (IT), psychological well-being, and ethical leadership.
Till now, about 40 sessions have been conducted on ethics, morality, culture, and
technology, ensuring the holistic development and social awareness of students. The
collaboration also promotes shared library resources and open digital learning platforms,
enabling equitable access to quality education for all sections of the community.
During the occasion, Certificate Awarding Ceremony held at the IIM Sambalpur campus
celebrating the contributions of these young learners and mentors. The event was graced
by Shri Deepak Malviya, National Vice President, Loksevak Mandal, Prof. Mahadeo
Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, Prof. Aditya Prasad Padhi, Chairman, Sambalpur
Public Library and Prof. Sumat P. Aggarwal, Emeritus Professor, South Asian University.
Eminent personalities including Prof. Hrusikesh Senapty, Dr. Raseswari Panigrahi, and
Dr. Narayani Panda were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their
exemplary service to society.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “IIM Sambalpur has redefined the
role of management institutions in India through a decade of ground breaking initiatives,
from being the first institute in the world to introduce AI-enabled class leave now a global
model shared with institutions across the U.S., South Korea, China, and beyond. In
alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and the Honourable Prime
Minister’s vision of a self-reliant, empowered nation, we are also creating impact at the
grassroots, Business Education to Sambalpuri handloom women entrepreneurs and
expanding the initiative to Koraput to groom tribal women business leaders. Thus, we can
achieve ‘Viksit Odisha’ by 2036 and ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Praising the initiative by IIM Sambalpur and Sambalpur Public Library, Shri Deepak
Malviya, National Vice President, Loksevak Mandal, the Chief Guest of the event, said,
“True management education goes beyond business, it shapes young minds for nation-
building. When rooted in ethics, spirituality and morality students will not only build
careers, but they will also actively participate in social work and make
India a Vishwa Guru.”
Prof Aditya Prasad Padhi, Chairman, Sambalpur Public Library, said, “ Almost 50
experts volunteer their time and resources to teach students for free. This unique initiative
by IIM Sambalpur and the Sambalpur Public Library goes beyond academics, offering
lessons in emotional well-being, stress management, and life skills to shape
adolescent minds.”
Prof. Sumat P. Aggarwal, Emeritus Professor, South Asian University, Chief Speaker of the
event stated, “Prof. Jaiswal has done excellent work at IIM Sambalpur in a short period of
time. He is a special academic leader who nurtures school children and IIM students with
equal care. His efforts, along with his team, are strengthening the institute’s
bond with society.
As the heart of this initiative lies a New Standard for Value-Based Learning, where
professors, professionals, and senior citizens come together to mentor and inspire young
minds. Senior citizens also have participated in this programme and volunteered their
expertise and wisdom, adding a unique intergenerational dimension to the initiative.
The initiative is a significant milestone in both the institutes’ ongoing mission to nurture
and empower young learners through ethical, technological, and entrepreneurial
education. Grooming Students Programme stands as a movement for inclusive and
sustainable learning, and a testament to IIM Sambalpur’s vision of nation-building
through youth empowerment, ethical leadership, and community-led development.
