IIM Kozhikode’s Inaugural International Conclave Focuses on Soft Power
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), a leading business school in India, recently held its first-ever international conclave in London, attracting hundreds of delegates from the business and academic sectors. The event, titled “Globalizing Indian Thought,” took place on 24-25 October and focused on the significance of India’s soft power in today’s interconnected world.
Director of IIMK, Debashis Chatterjee, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s outcome. “Our first visit to London was a resounding success. We broadened our engagement with new stakeholders and deepened our relationship with alumni,” he said. “There is a strong appetite to learn how India’s management principles, rooted in philosophy, leadership, and governance, can provide valuable lessons for global business and policymaking.”
The two-day conference, hosted at the University of London, featured discussions on ancient Indian wisdom and its relevance in contemporary global issues. Attendees included notable figures from various fields, including academics, philosophers, and business leaders, who shared insights on integrating Indian thought into modern management practices.
Catherine Robinson, Dean of the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law, remarked on the diversity of the event. “It is a great event to be part of; the diversity in the room in terms of philosophy, economists, and business school heads has been fascinating,” she noted. “It brings together innovative ideas on globalising Indian thoughts.”
The conclave featured presentations from over 40 academics, focusing on topics like the re-emergence of India as a “Vishwa Guru” (world leader), the evolution of corporate structures, and the importance of sustainable development. Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, emphasised the importance of understanding one’s heritage in establishing a global identity. “You must be educated about your own heritage to assert your identity in the world,” he stated. “IIMK is admirably leading the way in developing an education system that supports this understanding.”
Kirstie Simpson, Dean of the University of Chester’s Business School, highlighted the collaboration between her institution and IIMK. “My research focuses on Net Zero and enhancing employment opportunities in the industrial decarbonisation supply chain in the North West. This partnership with IIMK exemplifies how sustainability and Indian management thinking can help the world progress in the coming decades.”
The conclave included a special dinner at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, attended by over a hundred IIMK alumni based in London. This gathering not only strengthened alumni relations but also fostered discussions on how Indian management practices can shape future business trends.
Established in 1996 by the Government of India in collaboration with the State Government of Kerala, IIM Kozhikode is recognised for its academic excellence and strong focus on research, teaching, and community engagement. The institute has consistently promoted gender diversity, with 54% female participation in its flagship management programme as early as 2013, in stark contrast to the 8-10% seen in many other leading Indian business schools at the time.
As IIMK continues to promote its vision on the global stage, its recent conclave signifies a pivotal step towards harnessing India’s soft power for international collaboration and influence.
