The 7th batch of the Indian Institute of Management - Sambalpur (IIM-S)'s MBA programme commenced with the inauguration of a five-day virtual induction programme on Monday. The classes witnessed as many as 169 students from 22 different states of the country, of which, 81 are female.
From 49 per cent female students in 2019 to 44 per cent in 2020 and 48 per cent in the current year, IIM-S has consistently recorded one of the highest gender diversities among the IIMs of the country for three batches in a row. IIM-S director Mahadeo Jaiswal said, "We became the first IIM in 2019 with MBA admission having highest gender-inclusive diversity of 49 per cent and we have been continuing it since last three batches."
Before 2019, no female students were taking admission in IIM-S. However, to strategise academic diversity, IIM-S took a policy decision to give relaxation to girl students in cut-off marks for admission and the outcome is encouraging, he said. Among others who spoke during the virtual induction programmes of IIM-S included chief guest, IAS Chief Executive Officer, UIDAI, Dr Saurabh Garg, and keynote speaker, co-founder, Edduus, Leadership Coach and ZIIL Malaysia, Lalit Gupta.
Addressing the new batch, Lalit Gupta said, "There is a huge amount of disruption happening around us and Covid has only accelerated those changes. While this is an era of uncertainties, it is at the same time an era of opportunities and possibilities. We have to figure out how to take advantage of these opportunities and possibilities and not get bogged down by the challenges." Due to the pandemic, IIM Sambalpur has been conducting online classes which are likely to continue this year as well.