June 29, 2024
The induction ceremony commenced with an address by Prof. Jyotsna Bhatnagar, Dean Research, MDI Gurgaon. As a seasoned educator at MDI since 2004, she shared her valuable learning experiences. Notably, 2024 marks a significant milestone for MDI—it’s the Silver Jubilee year for the FPM program.
Encouraging holistic growth, Prof. Bhatnagar urged students to embrace learning alongside activities like yoga, painting, and hobbies. She shared her personal insights on Ikigai—a purpose-driven philosophy that combines passion, mission, vocation, and profession. She emphasized the power of writing. The “mighty pen” could shape ideas, challenge norms, and create intellectual impact.
Following her address, Prof. Arvind Sahay, Director MDI Gurgaon, welcomed the new batch and emphasized that FPM journey is unique—a transformative experience where students transition from being mere consumers of knowledge to becoming producers of knowledge.
He urged scholars to approach their work from a practical standpoint, emphasizing application and novelty. Rather than delving into irrelevant or inapplicable issues, the goal should be to create solutions that find real-world applications and drive business outcomes. Drawing a distinction between FPM research and industry research, Prof. Sahay highlighted that FPM research provides a broader framework. It aims to offer a deep understanding of both problems and solutions. He discouraged redundant research and encouraged scholars to explore uncharted territory.
Prof. Sushil, an Emeritus Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Chief Guest for the ceremony delivered an insightful address. He emphasized the importance of both learning and unlearning in the pursuit of independent ideas and cautioned against allowing personal experiences to bias our understanding of research phenomena. During his presentation, Prof. Sushil guided scholars through the process of working on publications and the intricacies of thesis development. He advocated for the use of mixed methods to gain a comprehensive understanding. Additionally, he stressed the significance of selecting reputable journals for scholarly work. In summary, he highlighted that research aims to contribute incrementally to existing knowledge, emphasizing the need for rigorous theory building.
Prof. Shilpi Jain, an alumna of the previous FPM program and currently a professor at the Fore School of Management, shared her journey with the new batch. Expressing gratitude, Prof. Jain acknowledged the rigorous coursework and the invaluable guidance provided by her professors. She highlighted how their support helped her navigate uncharted phenomena and ensured the timely completion of her research. This mentorship not only benefited her own journey but also equipped her with the skills to guide and mentor other students.
Prof. Anishya Madan, an alumna who attended the ceremony and is currently associated with IIT Delhi and the Fulbright scholarship, also expressed her gratitude to the institute and professors for their support. She encouraged students to consistently ask questions and maintain discipline. Prof. Madan emphasized that the excellent support, intellectual stimulation, and exposure at MDI made successfully completing a PhD highly achievable.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks from Prof. Ritu Srivastava, Chairperson – FPM. She emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and consistency at a personal level to successfully complete the program. Prof. Srivastava welcomed the 25th batch—the silver jubilee batch—of FPM scholars to the college, a moment of pride for MDI.
The induction ceremony left scholars inspired, ready to embark on their research journeys.