The 2009-11 batch of Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) students at Mumbai based SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) has a significantly higher percentage of women than that present at most Indian b-schools. The new batch consists of 180 students with women making up 42 percent of the students. This program has also been accredited internationally by Association of MBAs (AMBA) which is a London based reputed accrediting body.

The orientation program started with a short prayer from the Upanishads called Saha Navavatu, a classic mantra of togetherness. It is a mantra chanted by the teacher and the student in the beginning and the end of every study and signifies mutual growth through knowledge sharing. Dr. Sesha Iyer, Director – SPJIMR welcomed the new participants and spoke to them about SPJIMR, its history, culture, traditions and spirit of innovation and excellence.

In total, 144 students with prior work experience and approximately 155 engineering graduates have been selected for the program. Selections were made from over 18,000 applications through an admissions process which included weightage being given to the past academic background, versatility and overall student personality.

Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay, the PGDM co-ordinator introduced the programme requirements and pedagogy. SPJIMR has incorporated new initiatives into its curriculum like ADMAP i.e. Learning by Doing, DOCC, sensitivizing participants to social needs and Abhudaya, which involves mentoring the children from poor economic backgrounds. Prof. AB Kulkarni reiterated the expectations from students and clarified the concepts of Shravana (intensive listening & presence), Manan(reflection and internalizing of learning) andDhyana(contemplation and meditation).

The day ended with Dr ML Shrikant, Hon. Dean SPJIMR hosting an interesting question answer session. Dr. Shrikant said, MBA education does not teach participants to find big jobs and earn great money but facilitates their understanding of various management concepts and practices and its relatedness to real-life situations. According to him, MBA education should not build arrogant managers but individuals with humility and receptiveness to new learning. SPJIMR will help participants explore their real self and their ability to serve the society at large.

Other programmes of SPJIMR that have received AMBA accreditation include the eleven months Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) and Executive Management Program (EMP). With AMBA accreditation, SPJIMR joins a family of 158 programmes in 72 countries which have been accredited by this body. The award will serve as a benchmark for students, employers and academicians to make informed decision in the present complex and crowded MBA market.