Nagpur, 18 March 2026

Direct exposure to rural livelihoods and community life offers management students valuable experiences that stay with them for a lifetime, said Smt. Vasumana Pant (IAS), Additional Municipal Commissioner, Nagpur Municipal Corporation. She was addressing the closing ceremony of the ‘Bharat Darshan’ Rural Immersion Programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur on March 17 2026. She noted that such initiatives enable students to move beyond textbook knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the realities of India, while broadening their perspectives as future leaders. She congratulated IIM Nagpur for conceptualising and implementing a socially meaningful initiative that nurtures responsible and sensitive management professionals.

Under the programme, more than 300 students visited a range of rural organisations, farmer producer groups, self-help groups, educational institutions and sustainability-driven enterprises in the Nagpur region. Divided into eight teams, the students undertook field visits on January 31 to study production processes, market practices, cost structures and growth opportunities. With faculty guidance, they later analysed their observations and presented structured, solution-oriented recommendations to the respective organisations on February 28. These findings and proposals were again presented before faculty members and experts during the closing session on March 17. The presentations included practical suggestions related to enterprise development, branding improvement, market expansion and resource optimisation, many of which local organisations expressed interest in implementing.

IIM Nagpur Director Dr. Bhimaraya Metri emphasised that such initiatives play a crucial role in practice-oriented management education. “Students are learning rapidly through this process. A meaningful field visit can often be more engaging and effective than multiple classroom sessions. This immersion represents the first step in a long journey of leadership and social awareness,” he said.

Prof. Prakash Awasthy commended the quality of student presentations and expressed confidence that the initiative would become more comprehensive and impactful in the years ahead. Prior to the concluding session, dignitaries visited an exhibition showcasing students’ field insights and interacted with them informally. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Devashish Rath.

Students visited several organisations and initiatives as part of their learning experience, including the Nagajhari Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and Nagajhari Foundation in Kanholibara; Hitech Orange Orchard (Sai Valley Farms) in Kondhali; Aura Conservation Park in Katlabodi; the Bamboo Architect Project in Peth; Abhyudaya Global Village School (AGVS) in Badegaon; Project Gram Art in Paradsinga; and the Bio-Resource and Smart Training Centre in Pindkapar. They also engaged with Self-Help Group initiatives in the Hingna and Waghdhara region.

PIB Nagpur| Saurabh Khekde/ Priti Malandkar

 

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