IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, welcomed Andrew Main Wilson, CEO of Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA), along with Shikha Taunk, Strategic Engagement Manager, AMBA, India. The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening the institute’s global engagement and focus on responsible management education. The visit reflected how IIM Sambalpur is meeting international academic standards while creating real impact at the grassroots level.
During the visit, Mr. Wilson held detailed discussions with Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, along with the institution’s senior leadership team, including Deans, the BGA Committee, and Programme Chairs. The conversations focused on academic quality, global accreditation standards, campus development, strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and the integration of emerging technologies in management education.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, highlighted, “At IIM Sambalpur, our vision is to take world-class technology beyond the MBA classroom and make it accessible to students who aspire to build and grow businesses. By integrating AI, global collaborations and elevating academic standards, we are strengthening our core structure. Our classrooms encourage discussion, debate and peer learning, helping students think independently, speak with confidence and turn ideas into ventures. We are not just preparing students to manage businesses, we are empowering them to create and lead them.
During the visit, Andrew Main Wilson, CEO of Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA), said, “Having visited over 180 countries and worked closely with more than 200 business schools in the AMBA and BGA network, I can say with confidence that India is better placed than many parts of the world. Institutions like IIM Sambalpur are shaping confident, adaptable leaders, giving their graduates a real edge even in a tough global job market.”
Under its Centre for Responsible Business, IIM Sambalpur continues to lead inclusive capacity-building initiatives. The institute conducts business and entrepreneurship programmes in the Odia language to ensure accessibility for local communities. The institute has conducted three cohort programmes for Master Weavers. These initiatives help weavers expand market access, including participation in e-commerce platforms, while sustaining their rich handloom heritage. IIM Sambalpur has also conducted two cohort programmes under the SC/ST Business Accelerator in collaboration with the National SC-ST Hub under the Ministry of MSME. The programme supports aspiring and existing entrepreneurs through mentoring, business strategy development, and digital adoption to strengthen enterprise growth.
The visit concluded with IIM Sambalpur’s commitment to combine global standards with community transformation. By bringing international academic benchmarks with inclusive entrepreneurship and local empowerment, the institute continues to shape leaders to contribute to sustainable and responsible economic development.
