THEBUSINESSBTES BUREAU
SAMBALPUR, FEBRUARY 27, 2026
IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, welcomed
Andrew Main Wilson, CEO of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business
Graduates Association (BGA), along with Shikha Taunk, Strategic Engagement
Manager, AMBA, India. The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening
the institute’s global engagement and its focus on responsible management
education. It reflected how IIM Sambalpur is aligning with international
academic standards while creating meaningful grassroots impact.
During the visit, Wilson held detailed discussions with Prof. Mahadeo
Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, along with the institution’s senior
leadership team, including Deans, the BGA Committee, and Programme Chairs. The
conversations focused on academic quality, global accreditation standards,
campus development, strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and the
integration of emerging technologies in management education.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, highlighted, “At IIM
Sambalpur, our vision is to take world-class technology beyond the MBA
classroom and make it accessible to students who aspire to build and grow
businesses. By integrating AI, global collaborations and elevating academic
standards, we are strengthening our core structure. Our classrooms encourage
discussion, debate and peer learning, helping students think independently,
speak with confidence and turn ideas into ventures. We are not just preparing
students to manage businesses, we are empowering them to create and lead them.
So, basically in terms of 3I’s we adopt that in case of Innovation we have done
Innovation through AI, Inclusiveness we have launch Master Weaver Program &
gender diversity & Integrity we are the only institute which gives FC
grade.”
During the visit, Andrew Main Wilson, CEO of the Association of MBAs
(AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA), said, “Having visited over 180
countries and worked closely with more than 200 business schools in the AMBA
and BGA network, I can say with confidence that India is better placed than
many parts of the world. Institutions like IIM Sambalpur are shaping confident,
adaptable leaders, giving their graduates a real edge even in a tough global
job market.”
Under its Centre for Responsible Business, IIM Sambalpur continues to
lead inclusive capacity-building initiatives. The institute conducts business
and entrepreneurship programmes in the Odia language to ensure accessibility
for local communities. It has conducted three cohort programmes for Master
Weavers, helping them expand market access, including participation in
e-commerce platforms, while sustaining their rich handloom heritage. IIM
Sambalpur has also conducted two cohort programmes under the SC/ST Business
Accelerator in collaboration with the National SC-ST Hub under the Ministry of
MSME. The programme supports aspiring and existing entrepreneurs through
mentoring, business strategy development, and digital adoption to strengthen
enterprise growth.
The visit concluded with IIM Sambalpur reaffirming its commitment to
combining global standards with community transformation. By aligning
international academic benchmarks with inclusive entrepreneurship and local
empowerment, the institute continues to shape leaders who contribute to
sustainable and responsible economic development.
