Pragya 2026: IIM Bangalore faculty share their perspective on transition and new beginnings with PGP and PGPBA students nearing graduation
Valuable life lessons from parting reflections of teachers inspire students in the final stages of their IIMB academic journey
3 March, 2026, Bengaluru: ‘Pragya 2026’ – the evening of lectures by invitation for the graduating Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) cohorts at IIM Bangalore – offered encouragement, inspiration and guidance from faculty as the students prepare themselves for the transition into a new and uncertain chapter of their lives.
An annual tradition at IIMB, Pragya is an interaction where students invite their professors to deliver special lectures – outside the classroom and in the Open Air Theatre (OAT), organized by the Students’ Academic Committee. The three professors invited by the students to share life lessons at Pragya 2026, held earlier today, were Prof. Jitamitra Desai of the Decision Sciences area, Prof. Shubha Patvardhan of the Strategy area and Prof. Apurva Sanaria of the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area.
Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge, IIM Bangalore, set the tone for the evening with his message to the students about enlightenment, which he defined as the clarity on life and the entire universe. “The most important things in life are not to be found in the classroom or the textbook…it is the realization process. At IIMB, you have learnt about management aspects. But what will stand you in good stead are how you lead your life, deal with tough situations, how much time you spend in preparing yourself to face life, and how you manage your personal life. For this, you need to understand yourself – your weaknesses and strengths. Remember, happiness is a state of mind, it is inside.”
“You must also realize that everything in the entire universe is one energy reflected in different forms. Everything in this world is connected – that is the reality, like the Buddha showed us by stating, this exists, so that exists.”
He concluded his message by offering some tips for a happy life. “Be compassionate and make others happy whenever you get the opportunity.”
Prof. Jitamitra Desai, a fan of superheroes, based his talk on the ‘Four Burner Theory’ of productivity and life-balance, a concept often linked to author David Sedaris. “Life is similar to a stove consisting of four burners – Family, Friends, Health and Work. In order to be successful, one must turn off one or two burners. To be very successful, one may have to turn off two. Work as a burner may be the hardest to turn off (often at the cost of the other burners), since it provides identity, power, status, responsibility, meaning and an escape. In terms of family, since it involves repetitive tasks, and since one cannot delegate responsibility, it is sacrificed more often in the pursuit of success. Health too often takes a backseat for the same reason. Health as a burner flickers, stays on for a long time and gives warnings which could be ignored until it is too late. Friends, although fun, are a silent casualty who too can grow apart over time. There may be contacts and connections, but not true friends to depend on and share.” He went on to advise the students to try and make real friendships. He also cited examples of world famous personalities from various walks of life to establish the Four Burner Theory.
“While you cannot defeat the burners, you can dim them for some time, rotate the burners and reprioritize – in order to lead a balanced life. You cannot have any one burner running at full capacity all the time”, he pointed out.
Prof. Desai also explained that doing the same task well, repeatedly, surely pays off. “That is the reason for my admiration for superheroes. Most of the time they are not doing anything spectacular, not looking for one high after another, but are doing small tasks repetitively which go on to help other people or add value. So, my advice to you all is, do little things, stop chasing highs, try to find pleasure and value in boredom and routine. Conserve energy, patience, time, strength and resources. Be a superhero – Do Small, Dream Big!”
Prof. Shubha Patvardhan, a skilled classical Indian dancer, who considers work as not separate from life, spoke on leadership and management, focusing on an artistic way of living, being and thinking. Pointing out the unique elements of the arts and management, she said, “What artistes do, despite its significant impact in the world of business, is often underestimated in the world of business. Central to the arts is craftsmanship, which is central to creative life itself.”
Defining craftsmanship as the desire to do something extremely well for its own sake, she added, “It is to pursue standards way above the standards around you and setting a benchmark for quality, although internal standards may receive no recognition.”
Citing the example of the world renowned multitalented Leonardo da Vinci, she said because of his sense of craftsmanship, he tried to understand the inner life before making an art. “He did that because of his ethic, which influenced some of his masterpieces. He had to understand a work extremely well before doing it. Craftsmanship comes from a deep value system, of care, responsibility, trusteeship, to do full justice to the user. Therefore, you do your best. Craftsmanship also comes from a deep sense of playfulness, of integrity.”
She referred to the iconic and award winning campus of IIMB, and its Chief Architect Pritzker Laureate Dr. Balkrishna Doshi. “This campus was made with great love and care for you and me, and this changes the way we work, to make it worthy of this place. Internal standards set us apart, they make us exceptional because of the work we do. And when we work like this, we tend to have great insights, leading to creativity and innovation, which come from care and craftsmanship. When work and life are inseparable, we are energized, that gives a great sense of freedom, greater emotional stability and more power over life. When you relate to work like this, you are transformed in the process, and you are the work. Artistes do not do art, they are the art.”
“Think how you want other people around you to experience life – because of you. As you step into the next phase of life, the more important question is not where you will work, but how you will work, and who you want to become.”
Prof. Apurva Sanaria explained to the graduating cohorts that although being students of a premier B-school will open a lot of doors for them going forward because of the credentials they carry, but the important thing was how to be different in order to create more value. “Efficiency is no longer rare. Originality, judgement, taste and standards you set for yourself, are the elements which will matter.”
He shared three simple perspectives on being different. “How deeply you understand a problem before you set out to resolve it, how clearly you can simplify a complex idea, how thoughtfully you can design a customer experience and how responsibly you can make a decision impacting a lot of people, are significant. You need to see if things can be done better, which is the first step of being different.”
“Second, leaving your signature, which represents your reputation. Efficiency and speed will no longer create your signature. Signature will come from your thinking, your clarity and the values you bring to the table. Your signature will come from the quality and integrity that people associate with who you are.”
“Third, maintaining high standards without shortcuts. Lasting difference in your reputation comes from standards that do not change over time. High standards are a choice that you make; do not settle for average and acceptable. As you leave IIMB, you will enter systems which are already well-organized and working. Please learn from those systems and contribute. But more importantly, see how you can elevate these systems, and leave things better than before. So, focus on what to innovate in daily life, what signature to leave in everything that you do, and what standards you refuse to lower, no matter what. Your degree proves your capability, but your difference is your legacy. In a world that is getting increasingly automated, remain distinctly, thoughtfully human.”
The speakers were felicitated by Prof. U Dinesh Kumar. The talks were followed by a brief interaction with the graduating students.
Prof. Vasanthi Srinivasan, Dean, Alumni Relations & Development and faculty of the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area, too addressed the students, welcoming them to be soon part of the alumni network and be ambassadors for the Institute. Reflecting on today’s speeches, she said, “I am sure you will remember the life advice from your faculty today, for years to come. Always highlight the good things about the Institute and what it has given to us, including being able to structure anything that comes our way. And as alum, pay it forward. We are privileged, count your blessings and in a country like ours, do pay it forward. Touch one more person, be an inspiration to someone, just make that difference. The standards of integrity, your personal excellence and signature – carry all that forth as ambassadors of IIMB in every place you touch. Make IIMB’s name flourish, with humility and pride.”
Representing IIMB Alumni Association (IIMBAA), Jidesh Haridas (PGP 2008 batch) invited the students to embark on the alumni journey and engage with the network. Introducing IIMBAA, he spoke of its major activities, including the Social Impact hub which was launched at IIMBue 2025 (the flagship global leadership conclave of IIMBAA) by author and philanthropist Ms Rohini Nilekani.
Thereafter, Prof. Manaswini Bhalla, Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Management and PGP in Business Analytics, and faculty of the Economics area, felicitated the Students’ Academic Committee members.
Viren Kataria, President, Students’ Academic Committee, delivered the vote of thanks.
The words of wisdom from IIMB faculty were the right mix of reflection, fun and motivation, which the students are sure to connect to their personal growth and career goals.
Click here for photo gallery
Pragya 2026: IIM Bangalore faculty share their perspective on transition and new beginnings with PGP and PGPBA students nearing graduation
Valuable life lessons from parting reflections of teachers inspire students in the final stages of their IIMB academic journey
3 March, 2026, Bengaluru: ‘Pragya 2026’ – the evening of lectures by invitation for the graduating Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) cohorts at IIM Bangalore – offered encouragement, inspiration and guidance from faculty as the students prepare themselves for the transition into a new and uncertain chapter of their lives.
An annual tradition at IIMB, Pragya is an interaction where students invite their professors to deliver special lectures – outside the classroom and in the Open Air Theatre (OAT), organized by the Students’ Academic Committee. The three professors invited by the students to share life lessons at Pragya 2026, held earlier today, were Prof. Jitamitra Desai of the Decision Sciences area, Prof. Shubha Patvardhan of the Strategy area and Prof. Apurva Sanaria of the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area.
Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge, IIM Bangalore, set the tone for the evening with his message to the students about enlightenment, which he defined as the clarity on life and the entire universe. “The most important things in life are not to be found in the classroom or the textbook…it is the realization process. At IIMB, you have learnt about management aspects. But what will stand you in good stead are how you lead your life, deal with tough situations, how much time you spend in preparing yourself to face life, and how you manage your personal life. For this, you need to understand yourself – your weaknesses and strengths. Remember, happiness is a state of mind, it is inside.”
“You must also realize that everything in the entire universe is one energy reflected in different forms. Everything in this world is connected – that is the reality, like the Buddha showed us by stating, this exists, so that exists.”
He concluded his message by offering some tips for a happy life. “Be compassionate and make others happy whenever you get the opportunity.”
Prof. Jitamitra Desai, a fan of superheroes, based his talk on the ‘Four Burner Theory’ of productivity and life-balance, a concept often linked to author David Sedaris. “Life is similar to a stove consisting of four burners – Family, Friends, Health and Work. In order to be successful, one must turn off one or two burners. To be very successful, one may have to turn off two. Work as a burner may be the hardest to turn off (often at the cost of the other burners), since it provides identity, power, status, responsibility, meaning and an escape. In terms of family, since it involves repetitive tasks, and since one cannot delegate responsibility, it is sacrificed more often in the pursuit of success. Health too often takes a backseat for the same reason. Health as a burner flickers, stays on for a long time and gives warnings which could be ignored until it is too late. Friends, although fun, are a silent casualty who too can grow apart over time. There may be contacts and connections, but not true friends to depend on and share.” He went on to advise the students to try and make real friendships. He also cited examples of world famous personalities from various walks of life to establish the Four Burner Theory.
“While you cannot defeat the burners, you can dim them for some time, rotate the burners and reprioritize – in order to lead a balanced life. You cannot have any one burner running at full capacity all the time”, he pointed out.
Prof. Desai also explained that doing the same task well, repeatedly, surely pays off. “That is the reason for my admiration for superheroes. Most of the time they are not doing anything spectacular, not looking for one high after another, but are doing small tasks repetitively which go on to help other people or add value. So, my advice to you all is, do little things, stop chasing highs, try to find pleasure and value in boredom and routine. Conserve energy, patience, time, strength and resources. Be a superhero – Do Small, Dream Big!”
Prof. Shubha Patvardhan, a skilled classical Indian dancer, who considers work as not separate from life, spoke on leadership and management, focusing on an artistic way of living, being and thinking. Pointing out the unique elements of the arts and management, she said, “What artistes do, despite its significant impact in the world of business, is often underestimated in the world of business. Central to the arts is craftsmanship, which is central to creative life itself.”
Defining craftsmanship as the desire to do something extremely well for its own sake, she added, “It is to pursue standards way above the standards around you and setting a benchmark for quality, although internal standards may receive no recognition.”
Citing the example of the world renowned multitalented Leonardo da Vinci, she said because of his sense of craftsmanship, he tried to understand the inner life before making an art. “He did that because of his ethic, which influenced some of his masterpieces. He had to understand a work extremely well before doing it. Craftsmanship comes from a deep value system, of care, responsibility, trusteeship, to do full justice to the user. Therefore, you do your best. Craftsmanship also comes from a deep sense of playfulness, of integrity.”
She referred to the iconic and award winning campus of IIMB, and its Chief Architect Pritzker Laureate Dr. Balkrishna Doshi. “This campus was made with great love and care for you and me, and this changes the way we work, to make it worthy of this place. Internal standards set us apart, they make us exceptional because of the work we do. And when we work like this, we tend to have great insights, leading to creativity and innovation, which come from care and craftsmanship. When work and life are inseparable, we are energized, that gives a great sense of freedom, greater emotional stability and more power over life. When you relate to work like this, you are transformed in the process, and you are the work. Artistes do not do art, they are the art.”
“Think how you want other people around you to experience life – because of you. As you step into the next phase of life, the more important question is not where you will work, but how you will work, and who you want to become.”
Prof. Apurva Sanaria explained to the graduating cohorts that although being students of a premier B-school will open a lot of doors for them going forward because of the credentials they carry, but the important thing was how to be different in order to create more value. “Efficiency is no longer rare. Originality, judgement, taste and standards you set for yourself, are the elements which will matter.”
He shared three simple perspectives on being different. “How deeply you understand a problem before you set out to resolve it, how clearly you can simplify a complex idea, how thoughtfully you can design a customer experience and how responsibly you can make a decision impacting a lot of people, are significant. You need to see if things can be done better, which is the first step of being different.”
“Second, leaving your signature, which represents your reputation. Efficiency and speed will no longer create your signature. Signature will come from your thinking, your clarity and the values you bring to the table. Your signature will come from the quality and integrity that people associate with who you are.”
“Third, maintaining high standards without shortcuts. Lasting difference in your reputation comes from standards that do not change over time. High standards are a choice that you make; do not settle for average and acceptable. As you leave IIMB, you will enter systems which are already well-organized and working. Please learn from those systems and contribute. But more importantly, see how you can elevate these systems, and leave things better than before. So, focus on what to innovate in daily life, what signature to leave in everything that you do, and what standards you refuse to lower, no matter what. Your degree proves your capability, but your difference is your legacy. In a world that is getting increasingly automated, remain distinctly, thoughtfully human.”
The speakers were felicitated by Prof. U Dinesh Kumar. The talks were followed by a brief interaction with the graduating students.
Prof. Vasanthi Srinivasan, Dean, Alumni Relations & Development and faculty of the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area, too addressed the students, welcoming them to be soon part of the alumni network and be ambassadors for the Institute. Reflecting on today’s speeches, she said, “I am sure you will remember the life advice from your faculty today, for years to come. Always highlight the good things about the Institute and what it has given to us, including being able to structure anything that comes our way. And as alum, pay it forward. We are privileged, count your blessings and in a country like ours, do pay it forward. Touch one more person, be an inspiration to someone, just make that difference. The standards of integrity, your personal excellence and signature – carry all that forth as ambassadors of IIMB in every place you touch. Make IIMB’s name flourish, with humility and pride.”
Representing IIMB Alumni Association (IIMBAA), Jidesh Haridas (PGP 2008 batch) invited the students to embark on the alumni journey and engage with the network. Introducing IIMBAA, he spoke of its major activities, including the Social Impact hub which was launched at IIMBue 2025 (the flagship global leadership conclave of IIMBAA) by author and philanthropist Ms Rohini Nilekani.
Thereafter, Prof. Manaswini Bhalla, Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Management and PGP in Business Analytics, and faculty of the Economics area, felicitated the Students’ Academic Committee members.
Viren Kataria, President, Students’ Academic Committee, delivered the vote of thanks.
The words of wisdom from IIMB faculty were the right mix of reflection, fun and motivation, which the students are sure to connect to their personal growth and career goals.
Click here for photo gallery