IIM Jammu Welcomes NIFTEM MBA Students for Immersion Program
On January 21, 2026, IIM Jammu organized an enriching Immersion Program for MBA students from the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), located in Sonipat, Haryana. The program, which took place from January 19 to January 23, 2026, aimed to foster collaborative learning and provide industry exposure to the participants, who are budding management professionals.
Inaugural Ceremony
The inaugural event commenced with the symbolic lighting of a lamp, representing the enlightenment that comes with knowledge. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research at IIM Jammu, and attended by notable figures including Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson of Executive Education and Consultancy at IIM Jammu, and Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Program Director at IIM Jammu.
Key Highlights of the Inaugural Address
Prof. Jabir Ali delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing IIM Jammu’s rapid growth and its commitment to shaping future business leaders. He highlighted the importance of nurturing visionary leaders alongside competent managers to address the evolving business landscape. He referred to the Immersion Program as a vital platform for collaborative learning and industry exposure, which is essential for the holistic development of NIFTEM students and for building career-ready skills.
Reflecting on his association with NIFTEM since its inception, Prof. Ali praised the institute’s excellent location and growing infrastructure. He encouraged participants to remain focused, curious, and demanding in their learning. He stressed the necessity of industry collaboration, active participation, and discussion to set new benchmarks and achieve deeper learning, expressing his willingness to collaborate further with NIFTEM.
Feedback from NIFTEM Representatives
Dr. Vikas Saxena, Professor of Statistics and Operations Research at NIFTEM, appreciated the well-managed arrangements and expressed confidence that the program would be a valuable learning experience. He noted that NIFTEM has recently launched its MBA program with dual specializations, and the participating students, currently in their second year, are among the early batches working to build a strong academic foundation.
Dr. Saxena acknowledged the support of Prof. Jabir Ali and expressed optimism that the five-day program would be mutually enriching, wishing all participants success.
Overview of the Program Structure
Prof. Rajesh Sikka expressed his happiness at the enthusiastic participation of attendees and welcomed them to the new campus. He provided an overview of IIM Jammu’s Executive Education and Consultancy activities, encouraging participants to explore the institute’s infrastructure, including the Nalanda Library. He urged them to interact with students and faculty, apply the knowledge gained, and fully utilize the learning opportunities provided during their stay.
Prof. Sikka underscored the significance of Executive Education in equipping students with practical skills and industry insights, which are essential for navigating the dynamic business landscape. Through Executive Education initiatives, IIM Jammu aims to empower students with the tools and expertise needed to excel in their professional endeavors, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Program Director’s Insights
Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Program Director at IIM Jammu, stated that the program has been curated to support career progression through structured courses addressing organizational dynamics, conflict and crisis management, and behavioral mechanisms to eliminate biases. She highlighted that the sessions would be experiential in nature and aligned with the IIM case-based methodology to ensure practical learning.
Dr. Akhouri encouraged participants to remain inquisitive and assured them of full academic support, urging them to leverage the program to its fullest potential.
Student Engagement
During the Immersion Program, students from NIFTEM took the opportunity to formally introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds, interests, and career aspirations. This set the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences, demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning and commitment to maximizing the opportunities provided by the program.
The students expressed their hopes of gaining valuable insights, honing their skills, and networking with professionals to further their academic and professional endeavors.
Conclusion of the Inaugural Event
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anuja Akhouri, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and participation. The gathering culminated with the rendition of the national anthem, symbolizing unity and patriotism.
Program Content Overview
The five-day program structure crafted specifically for the MBA students of NIFTEM includes discussions on various management and business aspects. Topics range from:
- Introduction to International Business
- Forex Markets
- A Marketer’s Toolkit
- Content Marketing and Branding Strategies
- Exploring Generative AI in Digital Marketing
The Immersion Program at IIM Jammu stands as a testament to the institute’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering industry-academia collaboration. Through such initiatives, IIM Jammu continues to set new benchmarks in management education and significantly contributes to the development of future-ready leaders.
Note: This article highlights the recent Immersion Program held at IIM Jammu for NIFTEM MBA students, showcasing the collaborative efforts between the institutions to enhance management education.
