IIMB celebrates 75th Republic Day with fervour
Students, faculty and staff mark the day with patriotic songs; in his special address Director RT Krishnan emphasizes Constitutional values and reiterates the Institute’s commitment to sustainability
26 JANUARY, 2024: Greeting the IIMB community this morning, IIMB Director Rishikesha T Krishnan said, “On this day, we rededicate ourselves to the Constitutional values of democracy, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, human dignity, secularism and the unity and integrity of our nation.”
Recalling his Republic Day address of last year, where the Institute was on the threshold of an important milestone – its Golden Jubilee, Professor RT Krishnan said he was happy that in keeping with plans, IIMB had celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a series of memorable events, ranging from the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Week by the Hon’ble President of India to impactful academic conferences and colourful cultural events. He said he was particularly happy that the Institute reconnected with former faculty and alumni and staff, many of who participated in many of the Golden Jubilee events. “The last event in this series will be a get-together of the alumni of our PhD programme next weekend (Feb 2-4),” he added.
Pointing out that sustainability is the core theme of the Golden Jubilee, he said in keeping with this theme, IIMB had enhanced the roof-top solar power generation on campus and now meets approximately 20 per cent of its power needs through green energy.
“Thanks to the Golden Jubilee celebrations, we had the opportunity to listen to some outstanding talks on campus which reiterated the spirit of India’s Constitution and Constitutional values in a contemporary context. Interestingly, there was a high degree of resonance in the advice of the principal speakers. I would like to use this occasion to recall a few key points. Prof. Rebecca Henderson of Harvard, in her Foundation Day Lecture on 28th October 2023, urged all of us to embrace a purpose beyond profit and dare to act. To quote her, ‘Climate change is not about warmer weather. It is about instability. A stable climate is a prerequisite of our very existence, otherwise it would lead to catastrophic conditions. We need a political, social and cultural global movement to address huge issues like climate change. Business can be a powerful ally and make a great deal of money in the process; and making money, maximising profits should be a means to an end, not an end in itself. The goal of the market is to create a thriving society. Adopting authentic purpose can significantly increase performance’. In her thoughtful speech, the Hon’ble President of India advised our students to be conscious of inequality in access to opportunities and to adopt a sense of humility. She went on to add, ‘Your aims should never be narrow. Imbibe a strong sense of ethics and aim for excellence. Do not complain about the world you inherited; leave a world where the future generations can live in harmony and prosperity’.”
“We had excellent advice from both Prof. Henderson and the Hon’ble President of India. I hope we live up to their exhortations. Jai Hind,” said Prof. RT Krishnan.
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