IIM Rohtak Director Prof. Dheeraj Sharma conferred Exemplary Governance Leadership Award
Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, the Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, has been awarded the Exemplary Governance Leadership Award at the 46th World Management Congress. The event took place at the India International Centre in New Delhi, where leaders from various sectors gathered to celebrate outstanding contributions to governance and leadership.
A Prestigious Recognition
The Exemplary Governance Leadership Award was presented to Prof. Sharma following a rigorous global selection process that included over 1,400 nominations from various countries. Only seven individuals were chosen for this esteemed honor, highlighting the significance of this recognition. The award ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including:
- Mariano Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina
- Fr Roby Kannanchira
- Janice Darbari, Honorary Consul General of Montenegro
- Markandey Rai, President of the Global Peace Foundation–India
- Jesper Moller Sorensen
- Priya Ranjan Trivedi, Founder Chairman of the Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment
The presence of vice-chancellors, directors of leading institutions, senior academicians, policymakers, and thought leaders further underscored the importance of the occasion.
Transformational Leadership at IIM Rohtak
Prof. Sharma has been instrumental in transforming IIM Rohtak into one of India’s fastest-growing management institutions. Under his leadership, the institute has achieved several milestones, including:
- Securing international accreditations from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA).
- Transitioning to a permanent campus in 2018, which was completed under budget, showcasing strong financial discipline and efficient project execution.
- Introducing the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) and India’s first Integrated Programme in Law (IPL) among all IIMs, thereby expanding access to interdisciplinary education.
A Distinguished Academic and Researcher
Prof. Dheeraj Sharma is not only a leader in educational governance but also a distinguished scholar. In 2023, he was recognized among the top 2% of global researchers by Stanford University. His contributions to research include:
- Serving as the principal investigator for multiple high-impact research projects funded by various ministries, including Home Affairs, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Consumer Affairs, and Commerce.
- Contributing to evidence-based policymaking and national development through his research initiatives.
During his tenure, IIM Rohtak also became the largest IIM by student strength and launched the Executive Postgraduate Programme in Sports Management, which received acknowledgment from the Prime Minister of India.
Insights on Education and Leadership
While accepting the Exemplary Governance Leadership Award, Prof. Sharma emphasized the importance of institutional autonomy, particularly financial independence, in fostering innovation and sustained excellence in higher education. He pointed out that:
- IIMs play a crucial role in integrating education with employability, ensuring that students’ skills are recognized and rewarded in the job market.
- Education extends beyond formal classrooms and degrees, significantly influenced by early-life experiences such as language development and cognitive growth.
Prof. Sharma also expressed concern over the lack of regulation in India’s pre-school education sector, underscoring the necessity of parental involvement in shaping values, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
In closing his address, Prof. Sharma articulated that leadership in education must prioritize ethical, value-driven citizenship and holistic human development, rather than focusing solely on physical infrastructure. His vision for the future of education aligns with the need for a comprehensive approach that nurtures not just academic excellence but also the personal and ethical growth of students.
Note: The recognition of Prof. Dheeraj Sharma serves as an inspiration for educational leaders globally, highlighting the impact of visionary governance and leadership in shaping the future of education.
