One of the premier B- Schools of India, The Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur, (IIM Sambalpur), in collaboration with the Sambalpur Public Library (SPL) is pioneering a new model of community learning through its flagship Grooming Students Programme. This initiative aims to provide a holistic learning platform for high school students from the Sambalpur Municipality, fostering their all-round development.
The Grooming Students Programme is a part of the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between IIM Sambalpur and Sambalpur Public Library sharing the vision of democratizing education and extending learning beyond classrooms. Every Sunday, 45 experts including from the faculty members from IIM Sambalpur to other institutions conduct interactive sessions Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT), psychological well-being, and ethical leadership.
Till now, about 40 sessions have been conducted on ethics, morality, culture, and technology, ensuring the holistic development and social awareness of students. The collaboration also promotes shared library resources and open digital learning platforms, enabling equitable access to quality education for all sections of the community.
During the occasion, Certificate Awarding Ceremony held at the IIM Sambalpur campus celebrating the contributions of these young learners and mentors. The event was graced by Shri Deepak Malviya, National Vice President, Loksevak Mandal, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, Prof. Aditya Prasad Padhi, Chairman, Sambalpur Public Library and Prof. Sumat P. Aggarwal, Emeritus Professor, South Asian University. Eminent personalities including Prof. Hrusikesh Senapty, Dr. Raseswari Panigrahi, and Dr. Narayani Panda were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their exemplary service to society.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “IIM Sambalpur has redefined the role of management institutions in India through a decade of ground breaking initiatives, from being the first institute in the world to introduce AI-enabled class leave now a global model shared with institutions across the U.S., South Korea, China, and beyond. In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant, empowered nation, we are also creating impact at the grassroots, Business Education to Sambalpuri handloom women entrepreneurs and expanding the initiative to Koraput to groom tribal women business leaders. Thus, we can achieve ‘Viksit Odisha’ by 2036 and ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Praising the initiative by IIM Sambalpur and Sambalpur Public Library, Shri Deepak Malviya, National Vice President, Loksevak Mandal, the Chief Guest of the event, said, “True management education goes beyond business, it shapes young minds for nation-building. When rooted in ethics, spirituality and morality students will not only build careers, but they will also actively participate in social work and make India a Vishwa Guru."
Prof Aditya Prasad Padhi, Chairman, Sambalpur Public Library, said, “ Almost 50 experts volunteer their time and resources to teach students for free. This unique initiative by IIM Sambalpur and the Sambalpur Public Library goes beyond academics, offering lessons in emotional well-being, stress management, and life skills to shape adolescent minds.”
Prof. Sumat P. Aggarwal, Emeritus Professor, South Asian University, Chief Speaker of the event stated, "Prof. Jaiswal has done excellent work at IIM Sambalpur in a short period of time. He is a special academic leader who nurtures school children and IIM students with equal care. His efforts, along with his team, are strengthening the institute’s bond with society.
As the heart of this initiative lies a New Standard for Value-Based Learning, where professors, professionals, and senior citizens come together to mentor and inspire young minds. Senior citizens also have participated in this programme and volunteered their expertise and wisdom, adding a unique intergenerational dimension to the initiative.
The initiative is a significant milestone in both the institutes’ ongoing mission to nurture and empower young learners through ethical, technological, and entrepreneurial education. Grooming Students Programme stands as a movement for inclusive and sustainable learning, and a testament to IIM Sambalpur’s vision of nation-building through youth empowerment, ethical leadership, and community-led development.
