Uttarakhand taps IIM Kashipur to host the Inaugural Edition of Yuktika 2025
The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur recently hosted the inaugural edition of Yuktika 2025, a significant media conclave aimed at exploring the emerging landscape of digital media careers and brand influence. The event brought together leading voices from various sectors, including media, branding, entertainment, and digital communications.
Event Overview
Yuktika 2025 was designed to create an interface between industry and academia, providing students with insights into the evolving expectations of a digital-first media ecosystem. The conclave took place on December 8, 2025, and featured a series of discussions and panels that highlighted the skills necessary for success in the rapidly changing media landscape.
Opening Address
The event commenced with an inspiring address by Colonel Ajay Kumar Upadhyay (Retd), the Chief Administrative Officer of IIM Kashipur. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and cross-functional thinking as essential traits for aspiring management leaders in today’s dynamic professional environment. Following his address, Prof Kunal Ganguly, Dean (Development), congratulated the Media & Public Relations Committee for their efforts in facilitating and executing the event seamlessly.
Panel Discussions
The conclave featured two main panels, each focusing on critical aspects of media and branding in the digital age.
Panel 1: Redefining Talent Readiness
The first panel, titled “Redefining Talent Readiness: How Business School Graduates Can Meet Emerging Market and Brand Challenges,” included several eminent speakers who shared their insights on the future of media and communication.
- Ms. Cherryn Dogra, Chief Marketing Officer at Bharti Real Estate, highlighted the necessity for cross-functional awareness and real-world decision-making. She encouraged students to adopt a business leader’s mindset, stating, “Simple consumer analysis is not simple anymore; wear multiple business hats and view challenges through financial and operational lenses.”
- Ms. Pragati Deshmukh, Producer and former Head of Content at Zee Studios, discussed the importance of curiosity, agility, and lifelong learning in the media industry, asserting that “agility is the foundation of a sustainable career.”
- Ms. Pratishtha Kaura, Associate Vice President at Edelman, spoke about the evolving nature of communication roles in an AI-driven world, emphasizing that “AI is not replacing jobs; people who understand how to use AI are replacing those who don’t.”
- Mr. Rutweek Deshmukh, Global Talent Acquisition Programme Specialist at Fujitsu, stressed the importance of inclusivity and understanding digital accessibility and neurodiversity for modern leadership.
- Ms. Shalaka Kulkarni, Author and Founder of Write Click, focused on simplifying complex information, stating, “Creativity lies in making technology understandable to the layperson.”
- Ms. Apoorva Mehandiratta, Marketing Director at ZEE5, discussed the psychological depth required in modern marketing and the evolving trends in entertainment.
Panel 2: Building Trust and Influence
The second panel, “Building Trust and Influence – The Evolving Role of Branding and Influencers in Media,” featured discussions on how brands and individuals can build credibility in an ever-changing media landscape.
- Mr. Hemant Shringy, Chief Creative Officer & Managing Partner at Wondrlab India, emphasized the transformative power of creative ideas and the responsibility of creative leaders in developing campaigns that resonate with diverse consumer groups.
- Mr. Manan Kathuria, Founder of Rajman Productions, shared insights from his experience in film, theatre, and photography, noting the importance of emotional depth and technical fluidity in storytelling.
- Mr. Manjyoti Parasar, Public Speaker and Personal Branding Expert, encouraged students to develop personal brands rooted in clarity, consistency, and genuine value.
- Mr. Sagar Parekh, Chief Digital Officer at L’Oréal (Professional Products Division), highlighted the need for brands to be both data-driven and emotionally intelligent, stating that digital journeys should feel personal and relevant.
Conclusion
The inaugural Yuktika 2025 Media Conclave at IIM Kashipur successfully created a meaningful space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among industry leaders, storytellers, and digital innovators. The event underscored IIM Kashipur’s commitment to fostering industry-academia partnerships and equipping students with the skills necessary to lead in the media ecosystem of tomorrow.
Note: The insights shared during the conclave reflect the evolving nature of the media industry and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving success in this dynamic field.
