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The visit of a dignitary is always an occasion to remember at the Indian School of Business. What was indeed special was the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to mark the 20th anniversary of the School. Addressing 923graduating students of the PGP Class of 2022 from the two campuses of ISB, the Prime Minister called on the youth of the nation to claim their place and India’s, as they step out into a new world.

“Atalji (former Prime Minister of India) dedicated this institution to the country in 2001. Since then, more than 50,000 executives have trained here. Today, it is one of the top business schools in Asia. Professionals who passed out of ISB are driving Indian businesses and are at the helm of global corporations. They have created several startups and unicorns. This is a matter of pride, not just for ISB, but for the entire nation,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the graduating students.

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As the country celebrates its 75th year of independence with ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, he said that the government is also drawing up India’s roadmap for the next 25 years. “Aspirations of some are opening up new possibilities for many.” He pointed out that India is the fastest-growing economy among the G20 nations. India ranks first in consumer data usage. second among global internet users. And, has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and consumer market.

He said that through the COVID-19 pandemic, India showed its capabilities in her vaccine diplomacy, even when global supply chains remained disrupted. A record amount of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) also flowed into the country in the last fiscal, said the Prime Minister. “Today, India is a big centre of growth. The world realises that India means business.”

He credited ISB-like business schools and the youth of India for this global shift in outlook about India. “Our youth have proven that they can lead the world. Am I right? Do you believe in your capabilities,” the Prime Minister asked, pointing at the ISB students, amidst roars of applause.

He said that it has become commonplace to find Indian solutions being implemented globally. “So, on this very important day, I would urge you to align your personal goals with the goals of the nation,” the Prime Minister appealed to the young ISB graduates.

He stated that the policy directions of his government now aim to focus on the growth of small businesses and provide them with larger platforms and opportunities to grow their business globally. “This is where institutions like ISB and its students’ role becomes very important.”

Prime Minister Modi appealed to the future leaders of ISB to ensure that the country walks on the path of self-sufficiency while guaranteeing the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs. “This will be an opportunity for you to contribute to nation-building. I bestow my faith and trust in your capabilities and that of ISB’s in charting a brighter future for India and millions of Indians,” Prime Minister Modi added in his closing remarks. He also handed certificates of appreciation to 10 top student achievers for academic excellence and all-round performance for the year.

The stage for the day was set by Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB. He congratulated the passing graduates and wished that their transformative year at ISB remains at the core of their leadership journey here on. “We are in the global top 30 in terms of per capita research across areas like finance, economics, and others. We aspire to be a resource for the nation. Sir, please tell us how the ISB can support your vision for the nation,” said Dean Pillutla in his address.

“Just like Professor K V Subramanian, who served as the Chief Economic Adviser, there are many willing contributors among our faculty, the business leaders who are on our board and our network of reputed academic institutions as we realise the idea of a new India,” said Dean Pillutla.  

Harish Manwani, Chairman, ISB, reminded us that back in 2001 when the School was inaugurated by the late former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he termed it a ‘Rashtra Dakshina (an offering made to the nation), and reiterated that ISB will always strive to live up to this expectation.

To mark the initiation of ISB’s journey in its third decade; a plaque was unveiled by Prime Minister Modi depicting a banyan tree, considered the tree of knowledge, underneath it a container of water depicting a fountain of knowledge, 20 birds on the tree depicting ISB’s 20 years and clouds in the sky denoting new horizons and aspirations to scale.

A commemorative stamp, as a first-day cover, was also released by the Prime Minister to mark ISB’s 20th year.