IIM Bangalore community celebrates India’s 77th Republic Day with a sense of oneness
Patriotic songs, dance and street play mark the celebrations topped by an inspiring address by IIMB Director In-charge Prof. U Dinesh Kumar
26 January, 2026, Bengaluru: “India is in a position to spread the message of compassion and harmonious living”, observed Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge, IIM Bangalore, during the celebrations marking the momentous occasion of India’s Republic Day, on 26th January 2026. The entire IIM Bangalore community – students, faculty, staff, alumni and officers, along with their families – came together to celebrate India’s 77th Republic Day. Prof. Dinesh Kumar unfurled the national flag and addressed the IIM Bangalore community, after playing of the National Anthem – a proud moment for all.
Prof. Dinesh Kumar’s inspirational Republic Day address started by paying tribute to social reformer BR Ambedkar and the Constitution of India, and focused on compassion as a universal world order. “IIMB continues its legacy of being ranked among the top MBA institutes, in global and national rankings, thanks to our very able students, faculty and staff. Recently also, the Institute has been ranked number one in India and among the top 30 in the world, as per the FT and QS rankings. But the Institute’s quest for excellence goes much beyond academics and rankings.”
Referring to the current state of global division, he said, “We see a fractured world today, and in such a global scenario, it becomes very important how we respond. The political leadership in our country is not just reacting to it but rather responding – simply because of our heritage. India is a land of spirituality. From time immemorial, we have seen scholars, historians and others from faraway lands, be it from China or more recently Steve Jobs, traveling to India seeking spiritual enlightenment. Because in this country, we respect every being. We also believe that everything in this world is connected – that is the reality, like the Buddha showed us. Once we realize it, we can be compassionate towards everyone. We live in a vast nation, and it is our responsibility to spread the word of compassion and how to live in this universe.” Supporting his statement, he made mention of how Swami Vivekananda set off his Chicago speech in 1893 by saying, “Sisters and Brothers of America!”, an inclusive greeting, which earned him a standing ovation, spreading the message of tolerance and universal acceptance. “This greeting also established a personal connection”, added Prof. Dinesh Kumar.
The powerful performances by the IIMB community displayed pride and aspiration. The students of the music club ‘Dhwani’ put up an engaging patriotic song performance. There was a street play by students of the drama club ‘Goonj’ themed on, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. The next offering, a medley of patriotic songs by IIMB staff, was a powerful, soulful and melodious performance which touched the hearts of all present. Children of IIMB staff also took part with zeal and presented a song performance supported by tabla and harmonium. An energetic dance performance by students of ‘Taal’, the dance club of IIMB, which was based on patriotic Bollywood songs, had the audience cheering.
Cdr. Ajaya Kumar S, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Bangalore, moderated the event celebrating and honoring our nation and our sovereignty.
Click here for photo gallery
IIM Bangalore community celebrates India’s 77th Republic Day with a sense of oneness
Patriotic songs, dance and street play mark the celebrations topped by an inspiring address by IIMB Director In-charge Prof. U Dinesh Kumar
26 January, 2026, Bengaluru: “India is in a position to spread the message of compassion and harmonious living”, observed Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge, IIM Bangalore, during the celebrations marking the momentous occasion of India’s Republic Day, on 26th January 2026. The entire IIM Bangalore community – students, faculty, staff, alumni and officers, along with their families – came together to celebrate India’s 77th Republic Day. Prof. Dinesh Kumar unfurled the national flag and addressed the IIM Bangalore community, after playing of the National Anthem – a proud moment for all.
Prof. Dinesh Kumar’s inspirational Republic Day address started by paying tribute to social reformer BR Ambedkar and the Constitution of India, and focused on compassion as a universal world order. “IIMB continues its legacy of being ranked among the top MBA institutes, in global and national rankings, thanks to our very able students, faculty and staff. Recently also, the Institute has been ranked number one in India and among the top 30 in the world, as per the FT and QS rankings. But the Institute’s quest for excellence goes much beyond academics and rankings.”
Referring to the current state of global division, he said, “We see a fractured world today, and in such a global scenario, it becomes very important how we respond. The political leadership in our country is not just reacting to it but rather responding – simply because of our heritage. India is a land of spirituality. From time immemorial, we have seen scholars, historians and others from faraway lands, be it from China or more recently Steve Jobs, traveling to India seeking spiritual enlightenment. Because in this country, we respect every being. We also believe that everything in this world is connected – that is the reality, like the Buddha showed us. Once we realize it, we can be compassionate towards everyone. We live in a vast nation, and it is our responsibility to spread the word of compassion and how to live in this universe.” Supporting his statement, he made mention of how Swami Vivekananda set off his Chicago speech in 1893 by saying, “Sisters and Brothers of America!”, an inclusive greeting, which earned him a standing ovation, spreading the message of tolerance and universal acceptance. “This greeting also established a personal connection”, added Prof. Dinesh Kumar.
The powerful performances by the IIMB community displayed pride and aspiration. The students of the music club ‘Dhwani’ put up an engaging patriotic song performance. There was a street play by students of the drama club ‘Goonj’ themed on, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. The next offering, a medley of patriotic songs by IIMB staff, was a powerful, soulful and melodious performance which touched the hearts of all present. Children of IIMB staff also took part with zeal and presented a song performance supported by tabla and harmonium. An energetic dance performance by students of ‘Taal’, the dance club of IIMB, which was based on patriotic Bollywood songs, had the audience cheering.
Cdr. Ajaya Kumar S, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Bangalore, moderated the event celebrating and honoring our nation and our sovereignty.
Click here for photo gallery