IIM Kozhikode Holds
Tenth Annual Convocation, Awards PG Diploma to 176 Students
The Tenth Annual Convocation
of IIM Kozhikode was held on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008. After two years of
hectic and grueling academic schedule, 176 members of the Class of 2008
were awarded the Post Graduate Diploma in Management by Dr. A. C.
Muthaiah,
Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Kozhikode. Dr. C. K. Prahalad,
world-renowned Professor in Strategy and the man behind the
"Bottom-of-the-Pyramid" concept, was the Chief Guest and delivered the
Convocation Address.
Speaking on this occasion, the
Chairman said that IIM Kozhikode has made remarkable progress and with the tenth
batch passing out with excellent placements, the future looks great for the
institute. He lauded the faculty and staff for their excellent contribution
towards the institute's growth.
The Director, Prof. Krishna
Kumar, highlighted the achievements of IIM Kozhikode. He remarked that the
International Distance Learning Programme, pioneered by IIM Kozhikode has
been a resounding success and the institute would increase the scope of the
programme further. He added, "We are the fastest growing IIM in the country. We
have achieved the target of INR 50 Crore in revenues set by the central
government in just three years."
The key note address was
delivered by the distinguished Chief Guest, Dr. C. K. Prahalad. A management
guru par excellence, Dr. Prahalad congratulated the PGP students and appreciated
the efforts put in by parents and professors in moulding the students. "India's
current financial success may hide its true potential," remarked Dr. Prahalad.
He stressed that it is time for India to accelerate its growth by reducing costs
and improving the quality. He emphasized that the biggest worry for the country
is the growing income inequality due to rapid economic growth. Unless India
embraces new ways of thinking, it cannot achieve its growth potential.
Dr. Prahalad concluded his
address by advising the students to tread the path of innovation and
entrepreneurship with morality and honesty, and transform their ideas into
action.
Earlier in the day, Prof.
Prahalad mesmerized the students of IIM-K during a brief interaction. A plethora
of general topics were discussed. Speaking on corruption, he went on to say that
if there was anything that will bring the nation down, it will be corruption.
And as managers, the onus will be on the students to take a tough stance on
corruption.
Answering to a query on
entrepreneurship, he noted that no one is ever ready for entrepreneurship.
Alikening it to a form of self-expression, he added that entrepreneurship is
always lonely and, hence, self-commitment is very critical to every
entrepreneur. Complimenting the dabbawallahs on their efficiency, he
observed that there are many other similar cases which are the epitome of
efficiency but have not been researched - like the rural beedi distribution
network, for instance. It is upto the students to learn the finer nuances of
management from them.
As a parting remark, Dr. Prahalad
said, "Create the best practise; dont worry about the best practise."
