IIM-Visakhapatnam Celebrates 12th Foundation Day
On January 17, 2026, the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM-V) marked its 12th Foundation Day with a grand celebration. The event was graced by Sumita Dawra, former Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, who served as the chief guest.
Significant Milestones
The journey of IIM-Visakhapatnam began on January 17, 2015, when the foundation stone was laid by Smriti Irani, the then Union Minister for Human Resource Development. The Institute’s permanent campus, located on a sprawling 241-acre site in Gambheeram Village, Anandapuram mandal, was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2024.
Achievements and Growth
Since its inception, IIM-Visakhapatnam has made remarkable strides in the field of management education. The Institute now serves over 15,000 learners annually from across the globe through a variety of programmes, including on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. Its flagship MBA programme continues to gain prominence, supported by a strong and diverse faculty base.
Focus on Research and Innovation
The Institute emphasizes research, innovation, and leadership development as core components of its educational offerings. The faculty members are actively engaged in research projects that contribute to the advancement of management practices and theories.
IIMV-FIELD Incubator
One of the standout initiatives of IIM-Visakhapatnam is the IIMV-FIELD incubator, which is recognized as one of India’s fastest-growing incubators. Currently, it is nurturing nearly 200 start-ups, with an impressive 75 percent of these ventures being led by women entrepreneurs. This focus on entrepreneurship aligns with the Institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth.
Keynote Address by Sumita Dawra
During her address, Sumita Dawra reflected on her past association with the Institute, recalling her participation in a leadership conclave in 2016 organized in collaboration with IIM Bangalore. She commended the Institute for its significant growth over the years and emphasized the importance of continuous learning in today’s rapidly evolving global economy.
Importance of Skilling and Upskilling
Dawra highlighted the critical need for skilling, reskilling, and upskilling in the modern workforce. She stressed that individuals must engage in continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning to remain relevant in their fields. Drawing from her extensive experience in governance, she cited successful initiatives such as:
- PRAGATI: Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
- PM Gati Shakti: A strategic initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure development in India
Skills for the Future
In her address, Dawra underscored the essential skills required for success in the contemporary workplace, including:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Technological literacy
- Leadership qualities
- Flexibility and agility
- Creative problem-solving
Collaborations and Partnerships
IIM-Visakhapatnam has established itself as a preferred destination for executive education, collaborating with various stakeholders, including:
- Ministries and Departments of the Government of India
- Major Central Public Sector Enterprises
- The Central Vigilance Commission
- The Capacity Building Commission
- The World Bank
- Prominent private and not-for-profit organizations
These collaborations enhance the Institute’s educational offerings and provide students with valuable insights into real-world challenges and solutions.
Conclusion
The 12th Foundation Day of IIM-Visakhapatnam not only celebrated the achievements of the Institute but also set the stage for future growth and development. With a commitment to excellence in management education, research, and entrepreneurship, IIM-Visakhapatnam continues to make a significant impact on the educational landscape in India.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates as of January 2026.
