The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sambalpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this morning at the IIM Sambalpur campus, marking a major step toward expanding collaborative academic initiatives in eastern India. The MoU was signed by Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, and Mr. Madhu L. Nag, IIS, Registrar, IIMC, accompanied by Prof. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director, IIMC Dhenkanal.
Under this partnership, both institutions will work together on a wide spectrum of academic and research engagements, including faculty and student exchanges, co-organizing conferences, seminars, and capacity-building workshops, and undertaking joint research projects in areas such as media, communication, management, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, welcomed the collaboration and highlighted its academic significance. “IIM Sambalpur is committed to promoting interdisciplinary learning and fostering innovation. Our collaboration with IIMC will enable students and faculty of both institutions to engage in meaningful knowledge exchange. Together we will contribute to building future-ready professionals who can navigate the intersections of communication, management, and technology,” he added.
Mr. Madhu L. Nag, IIS, Registrar, IIMC, emphasized the value of bringing two premier institutions together. “This collaboration between IIMC and IIM Sambalpur reflects our commitment to providing students and faculty with enriching academic opportunities beyond disciplinary boundaries. By combining strengths in communication and management, we will jointly contribute to research, innovation, leadership development, and capacity-building in the media and management sectors. I am confident this partnership will open new horizons for both institutions,” he highlighted.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the agreement, Prof. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director, IIMC Dhenkanal, said that interdisciplinary partnerships are essential in today’s dynamic media environment. “In today’s rapidly evolving media and communication landscape, collaboration is the key to academic excellence. Our partnership with IIM Sambalpur will allow our students and faculty to benefit from IIM’s expertise in management, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. At the same time, IIM scholars will gain from IIMC’s deep experience in journalism, communication, storytelling, and public engagement. This MoU embodies the spirit of interdisciplinary learning that India’s knowledge ecosystem urgently needs,” flagged Prof. Pradhan.
The event concluded with both institutions expressing optimism about the long-term impact of the partnership, which is expected to enhance academic quality, research output, and industry engagement in the region.
