Inaugural Session

The inaugural session was graced by the presence of the following distinguished dignitaries:

·         Shri Arpit Chadha, Vice Chairman, I.T.S The Education Group

·         Dr. Indrajit Ghosh, Global Chairman, MSME Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India

·         Mr. Abin Joseph, Co-Founder, DHRI

·         Mr. Dhiraj Tripathi, Founder and CEO, AutoBridge

·         Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar, Director, I.T.S School of Management

·         Prof. Yachna Malhotra, Summit Convener

The session commenced with the welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar, Director, I.T.S School of Management, who emphasized the need for startups to move beyond ideation and focus on execution that creates tangible impact.

Shri Arpit Chadha, Vice Chairman, I.T.S The Education Group, delivered the inaugural address and encouraged students to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations with confidence and resilience. He emphasized the importance of experiential learning, adaptability and developing a forward-looking approach while navigating the dynamic startup ecosystem.

Dr. Indrajit Ghosh highlighted that startups act as catalysts for transformation by challenging conventional approaches and creating meaningful impact across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and deep-tech. Mr. Abin Joseph emphasized the importance of collaboration, adaptability and strategic execution in building sustainable ventures, while Mr. Dhiraj Tripathi shared insights on how innovation-driven enterprises are addressing real-world challenges and reshaping industries.

The inaugural session concluded with insightful deliberations that set a strong foundation for the summit.

Panel Session I

Theme- Startup for Bharat: Innovation for Inclusive Growth

The panel session featured the following eminent speakers:

·         Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Founder and CEO, TPP World, Moderator

·         Ms. Sulbha Kaushal Rai, Chief People Officer, Renew Buy

·         Mr. Anand Prasad, Assistant Vice President, Invest India

·         Mr. Sharad Srivastava, Senior Consultant, FDDI, Ministry of Commerce and Industry

·         Ms. Radhika A. Gupta, Founder and CEO, Build Brand Factor

·         Mr. Yogesh Taneja, Assistant Vice President and Branch Head, IDFC Bank

The session was effectively moderated by Mr. Sanjay Kumar. He emphasized the importance of innovation-led entrepreneurship in addressing grassroots challenges and bridging disparities between rural and urban India.

Session II
Young Futurepreneurs Exhibition
The Young Futurepreneurs Exhibition was conducted as an integral part of the summit, providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase innovative and socially relevant startup ideas.

The exhibition was graced by the following dignitaries and judges:

·         Er. Sanjeev Gupta, Founder President, Anusandhan Chamber of Commerce and Member, NITI Aayog

·         Ms. Jyoti Singh, Senior Consultant, E-Governance Business

·         Mr. Rajeev Johari, Associate Professor, I.T.S School of Management, Ghaziabad

Out of 25 registered teams, a total of 19 teams comprising 49 participants presented their ideas.

Winners

First Position: Sahil Gupta and Palak Gupta, KIET Muradnagar, Cash Prize Rs. 10,000

Second Position: Ayush and Mani Mittal, NSUT Delhi, Cash Prize Rs. 5,000

Third Position: Saurabh Tiwari, Sudhanshu and Kapil Tripathi, I.T.S School of Management, Ghaziabad, Cash Prize Rs. 2,500

The summit successfully bridged academic learning with real-world application and fostered a strong entrepreneurial mindset among students.

The session was graced by distinguished guests: Hon’ble Vice Chairman Shri Arpit Chadha, Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar, Director, I.T.S School of Management, Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Kr. Pandey, Director (I.T.), and Dr. Nancy Sharma, Principal, U.G. Campus, along with faculty and students from PG and UG campuses.

Beginning with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, the event blended humor with meaningful insights. Shri Shambhu Shekhar captivated the audience with his witty takes on college life, family, and contemporary contexts, keeping the auditorium alive with laughter and applause. Beyond comedy, he shared reflective thoughts on resilience, self-belief, and turning setbacks into growth opportunities, leaving students motivated and inspired.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar and a group photograph to mark the memorable occasion. The session successfully created an engaging environment that encouraged positivity, confidence, and creativity among future managers.

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The session focused on modern performance management systems, highlighting the role of data, Artificial Intelligence, and real-time feedback in organizations. Key concepts such as Scorecard, OKR, and HRMS were discussed along with performance evaluation at organizational, departmental, and individual levels.

The speaker also emphasized compensation restructuring, fairness in rewards, and continuous feedback mechanisms. An interactive activity and discussions on leadership, talent classification, and the use of AI tools like Gemini as a student coach made the session engaging.

The session was informative and provided valuable insights into contemporary HR practices. It concluded with a vote of thanks to the resource person.

The session commenced with a warm welcome of the guest by Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar, Director, I.T.S School of Management, who presented a plant sapling as a token of respect and appreciation.

During the session, Ms. Maya Kulshreshtha shared valuable insights into the art form of Kathak. She emphasized that dance is not merely a performance but a reflection of one’s personality and inner expression. She explained that Kathak is a powerful medium to express emotions through graceful movements and storytelling.

She also introduced the concept of Mudras used in Kathak and demonstrated their meanings and significance. The session became highly engaging when she invited students on stage and involved them in interactive activities, allowing them to experience the basic movements and expressions of Kathak firsthand.

The session was informative, interactive, and culturally enriching for all participants. It provided students with a deeper understanding of Indian classical dance and its relevance in expressing emotions and enhancing personality.

The event concluded on a positive note, leaving the audience inspired and appreciative of the richness of Indian cultural heritage.

The session provided strategic insights into building a robust innovation-driven ecosystem within academic institutions by promoting Pre-incubation, Incubation and IPR/TTO facilities and to guide institutions on effective implementation of IIC 8.0.

The session included an interactive segment where participants raised queries related to ecosystem development, commercialization challenges and IIC implementation processes. The IIC team provided practical solutions and strategic guidance to streamline institutional efforts. Further they also addressed the commercialization gap in transforming research into market-ready solutions. The session enhanced clarity on research-to-commercialization pathways and reinforced the role of interdisciplinary collaboration. The learnings will enable institutions to enhance startup support systems and foster a culture of innovation aligned with national priorities.

The session was conducted by Ms. Parita Unadkat, Senior Training Specialist (Communications) at Amazon Development Centre. She shared valuable insights into corporate training processes, emphasizing that excelling in a job requires continuous learning and adaptability. She explained recruitment practices such as mock calls used to assess candidates’ communication skills and detailed the structured onboarding and training process followed in organizations like Amazon.

Ms. Unadkat highlighted key concepts such as the nesting period, feedback mechanisms (SBI Model and Sandwich Method), and the importance of regular performance audits. She also stressed the role of trainers in aligning learning initiatives with organizational goals and the need for continuous skill enhancement.

Additionally, she guided students on career opportunities in L&D and recommended tools like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, and AI-based platforms such as ChatGPT for effective training and development.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A and a virtual plaque presentation. Overall, the session provided practical exposure to corporate L&D practices and encouraged students to explore careers in this field.

HG Sunder Gopal Prabhu delivered a thought-provoking and motivational address, emphasizing the importance of managing one’s mind in today’s fast-paced and materially driven world. The session began with a reflective perspective on modern life—highlighting how, despite significant material progress, there has been a noticeable decline in values, relationships, and inner well-being. He stressed that while external advancement is important, true growth lies in conquering one’s inner space.

Sh. Sunder Gopal Prabhu ji deeply and strongly emphasized on the following points in his session:

·         Success and Happiness:
Success was discussed beyond wealth and fame—focusing on purpose, peace, and fulfillment as true indicators of a meaningful life.

·         Four Pillars for Personal Growth:
The session highlighted four simple yet powerful practices abbreviated as ABCD:

A- Association with good people

B-Reading meaningful books

C-Chanting/meditative practices

D-Maintaining a disciplined diet

Inner Development:
Emphasis was laid on character building, self-control, and mind regulation as foundations of long-term success.

Relationships & Values:
The importance of nurturing deep relationships over superficial connections was strongly reinforced.

Guided Living:
Drawing from timeless wisdom (Gita-based insights), students were encouraged to adopt a guided and value-driven life approach.

Towards the end of the session he motivated the students to understand that “If they want something truly worthwhile, be ready to pay the price.” The session concluded with a powerful reminder that while we may multiply our possessions, true fulfillment comes from enhancing our values and inner well-being.

The session was very inspiring and interactive with PGDM students participating in question answer rounds.

The primary objective of attending the event was to sensitize students towards road safety issues, encourage responsible behavior on roads, and provide exposure to national-level initiatives focused on public safety and civic responsibility.

The program commenced at 10:30 AM and brought together policymakers, youth, artists, and influencers to collectively address the growing concerns of road safety in India. The event was graced by Nitin Gadkari, who highlighted government initiatives and infrastructural advancements aimed at improving road safety standards. Renowned actor Aamir Khan moderated the session and encouraged citizens, especially youth, to adopt responsible driving habits. The program also featured performances by The Anirudh Varma Collective and Pratidhwani Art Studio, creatively reinforcing the importance of road safety.

The participation proved to be highly enriching for the students. It enhanced awareness about road safety rules, highlighted the importance of responsible driving behavior, provided exposure to societal challenges, and encouraged civic responsibility. The interactive sessions and performances made the learning experience informative and impactful.

The visit was a meaningful initiative aligning with the institute’s objective of holistic development by integrating academic learning with social awareness. It encouraged students to become responsible citizens and proactive contributors to society.

The ceremony commenced with a soulful Saraswati Vandana and lamp lightning ceremony, followed by a welcome address by the Director Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar, Director of I.T.S School of Management, who highlighted the importance of recognizing student achievements as an integral part of the academic journey. He emphasized that the institute’s focus on formative assessment ensures continuous evaluation and encouragement of students throughout the program. Motivating the students with the inspiring thought, “I can and I will,” he encouraged them to remain consistent, develop a hunger for knowledge, and aspire to achieve greater heights. He also applauded students for their dedication, particularly those with exemplary attendance.

The Chairperson Dr. D. K. Pandey, then addressed the gathering, outlining the agenda of the ceremony and acknowledging the invaluable and silent support of parents and faculty members in shaping students’ success.

The event celebrated student excellence across three major categories:

·         Top 10 Merit Awards for outstanding academic performance in end-term examinations (5th trimester – PGDM 2024–26 and 3rd trimester – PGDM 2025–27)

·         Top 10 Performance Improvement Awards, encouraging continuous growth and self-improvement

·         100% Attendance Awards recognizing discipline, commitment, and academic sincerity  

The award distribution commenced with the Merit Awards, where students who demonstrated exceptional academic excellence were recognized and applauded for their consistent hard work and dedication. This was followed by the Performance Improvement Awards, which highlighted the remarkable progress made by students who showed significant academic growth over time—reflecting resilience, determination, and a commitment to self-development. The ceremony concluded with the 100% Attendance Awards, honoring students who exhibited outstanding discipline, punctuality, and unwavering commitment to their academic responsibilities, setting an inspiring example for their peers.

The event concluded on a celebratory note with a group photo session, bringing together award recipients, faculty members, and distinguished dignitaries, capturing moments of pride and achievement. The ceremony ended with a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the management, faculty, organizers, and students for their enthusiastic participation and contribution in making the event a grand success, after which everyone proceeded for high tea. The occasion not only recognized excellence but also reinforced the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, perseverance, and holistic development.

A key highlight was the “Investment as a Journey” theme, where financial planning was explained using a travel analogy—linking financial goals to destinations, investment tools to modes of transport, and time horizon to the nature of investment decisions. The core message emphasized aligning investments with timelines for optimal outcomes.

Key Insights & Learnings

Investment is the strategic allocation of funds into assets that generate returns or appreciate over time

Importance of asset allocation aligned with financial goals

Overview of investment options: Gold, Stocks, Bonds, Property, and Insurance

Strong emphasis on disciplined investing through SIPs

Focus on capital protection and liquidity

Recommended options:  Liquid Funds (6–7% returns)  ,Ultra Short Duration Funds (6–8%), Conservative Hybrid Funds

The session was highly engaging, practical and beginner-friendly. It effectively encouraged students to adopt a structured approach towards financial planning, emphasizing consistency, patience and informed decision-making over market timing. The event concluded on a positive and interactive note, leaving participants motivated to take informed steps toward their financial future.