The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has unveiled the fourth edition of its ‘leadership and strategic thinking’ programme for visually-challenged professionals, bringing together participants from across India for a three-day training programme.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Blind People’s Association (BPA), Ahmedabad, aims to equip participants with leadership, management and strategic thinking skills. The programme runs from March 6 to March 8 and has 28 participants from sectors including education, government services, information technology and banking and financial services.
The programme was inaugurated by IIMA Director Bharat Bhasker, Rajesh Chandwani, who serves as the Faculty Chair, along with Bhushan Punani, General Secretary of BPA Ahmedabad, and Kinnari Desai, Deputy Director at BPA.
The sessions will cover topics such as strategic leadership, artificial intelligence for managerial decision-making, macroeconomic concepts and the Indian economy, as well as technology designed to support visually-challenged individuals.
According to the organisers, the programme seeks to build leadership capabilities among visually-challenged professionals and strengthen their ability to take on managerial responsibilities.
Bhasker said the programme has expanded over the years and now attracts participants from different regions of the country. He added that such initiatives aim to enhance leadership and organisational skills among participants while also fostering new perspectives for faculty members involved in the sessions.
Bhushan Punani highlighted the role of technology, access to education and inclusive policies in strengthening opportunities for persons with disabilities, adding that programmes such as this can help bridge the gap between professional potential and leadership opportunities.
Chandwani said the programme has received positive feedback from participants in earlier editions, many of whom have used the learning experience to pursue leadership roles in their respective organisations.
