IIM Raipur hosts “ShaktiRath 2026” on International Women’s Day
On March 8, 2026, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur successfully hosted the inspiring summit “ShaktiRath 2026” in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event was themed “Bharat-Bhagya-Vidhata: Women Scripting the Rise” and aimed to honor and discuss the evolving role of women in leadership and their significant contributions to India’s growth.
Event Overview
The summit gathered distinguished leaders, industry experts, and academicians for a day of meaningful dialogue. It was graced by notable figures including Chief Guest Neelam Shah, Executive Vice President at TKIL Industries, and Guest of Honour Payal Panda, Managing Director (CTIO – Workday Business Group) at Accenture. Several eminent speakers from leading organizations also participated.
Opening Remarks
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Mohit Goswami, Chairperson of Corporate Relations and Placements at IIM Raipur. Following this, Prof. Sanjeev Prashar, Director-In-Charge of IIM Raipur, emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive ecosystems that enable collaboration, growth, and equal opportunities for leadership.
Keynote Address
Chief Guest Neelam Shah shared insights from her leadership journey, emphasizing that the achievements of one woman can inspire generations. She encouraged young leaders to recognize the inner strength, or “Shakti,” within themselves and pursue leadership with purpose and conviction. Shah highlighted several key aspects of effective leadership:
- Building strong competencies
- Speaking up with clarity and intent
- Staying authentic
- Believing in one’s dreams
Panel Discussions
First Panel: Navigating the Work-Life Paradox
The first panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Prakriti Soral from IIM Raipur, focused on “Navigating the Work-Life Paradox: Redefining the Ideal Worker.” Panelists included:
- Juveri Mukherjee, Global Human Resources, Aurionpro Solutions Limited
- Melrose Rebeiro, Head Human Resources – N&ECs | DX&DWP Capabilities, Fujitsu
- Rashmita Parija, Head Human Resources (India), Lexmark International Inc
- Ruchita Bansal, Partner, PwC
- Vidita Chawda, Director, Human Resources, World at Work
This discussion explored the evolving definition of the “ideal worker” in modern workplaces, emphasizing a shift from presence-based evaluation to outcome-driven performance. Key points included:
- The importance of strategic flexibility
- Empathetic leadership
- Accountability and lifelong learning
- The growing role of technology and AI in reshaping work dynamics
Second Panel: Boardroom Influence & Corporate Governance
The second panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Smriti Pande from IIM Raipur, addressed “Boardroom Influence & Corporate Governance.” Panelists included:
- Payal Panda, Managing Director (CTIO – Workday Business Group), Accenture
- Sonal Shrivastava, Chief Financial Officer, Waaree Energies
- Vishnu Priya Gudivada, Director – Information, App, Data & Cloud Security, Cargill
- Neelam Shah, Executive Vice President, TKIL Industries
This discussion highlighted that robust governance extends beyond compliance, focusing on accountability, transparency, ethical decision-making, and proactive risk management. The panelists shared insights on establishing credibility and influence in boardroom settings by:
- Mastering one’s domain
- Communicating with clarity
- Aligning perspectives with broader organizational goals
Valedictory Address
In the valedictory address, Payal Panda emphasized the significance of clear and calm communication in leadership. She noted that impactful ideas are more effective when presented with clarity and purpose. Panda encouraged professionals to:
- Understand stakeholder perspectives
- Speak the language of business and KPIs
- Communicate ideas effectively to create meaningful influence in decision-making forums
Conclusion
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Prof. Mohit Goswami, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, guests, and participants for their valuable insights. “ShaktiRath 2026” was celebrated as a meaningful and inspiring platform for dialogue, furthering the conversation on women’s leadership and empowerment in India.
Note: This article is based on the event held on March 8, 2026, at IIM Raipur, celebrating International Women’s Day.
