Nagpur, August 26, 2025 | The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur inaugurated the latest cohort of its Executive Ph.D. Program (Batch 2025-2029) on August 23 2025, welcoming 17 accomplished professionals, each with a minimum of 10 years of corporate experience, to embark on an intensive research journey that bridges academia and industry. This program is designed for senior executives to develop advanced research capabilities and create impactful, industry-relevant knowledge that shapes business practices and public policy.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Santosh Misra, Former IAS Officer and Senior Partner at PwC, and Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar, the 77th Custodian of the House of Mewar and Chairman of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, as Chief Guests. Also present were Prof. Bhimaraya Metri (Director, IIM Nagpur), Prof. Sujeet Sharma (Dean – Research & Ph.D.), and other faculty members including Prof. Prashant Gupta (Dean – Faculty & Academics), Prof. Alok Kumar Singh (Dean – Executive Education), Prof. Prakash Awasthy (Chairperson – MBA), Prof. Ankita Dash, Prof. Nilesh Gupta, Prof. Atul Arun Pathak, Prof. Debarun Chakraborty, Prof. Neelkanth Dhone, Prof. Nikunj Kumar Jain, Prof. Pradeep Kumar Roy, and Prof. Swamy Perumandla.
Chief Guest Prof. Santosh Misra shared his experience as an Executive Ph.D. scholar and stressed the importance of industry-relevant research. He said research should solve real-world problems, improve productivity, and add tangible value. He encouraged the batch to bridge academia and industry, stay committed, and create knowledge that influences policy and business practices.
Chief Guest Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar spoke about the enduring value of trust and empathy in leadership amid technological change. He urged scholars to ensure technology enhances life without replacing humanity and to lead with integrity and adaptability. He reminded them that learning and humility are the strongest leadership traits.
Prof. Bhimaraya Metri welcomed the cohort, calling research a journey from known to unknown that requires discipline and persistence. He noted that only 17 participants were selected from 300 applicants, making this an elite batch. He advised them to complete their Ph.D. on time and produce research that is globally relevant and locally impactful.
Prof. Sujeet Sharma, highlighted that the program is a commitment to inquiry, rigor, and impact. He said success demands curiosity and perseverance, with research aimed at redefining business and contributing to both academia and industry.
The inaugural program featured sessions by distinguished experts: Prof. Prasanna Karhade (CUHK Business School), Prof. Mayank Kumar (IIM Bangalore), Prof. Mukundhan (IIM Trichy), Prof. Rajiv Kohli (William & Mary School of Business, USA), Dr. Gauri Deshpande (TCS Research, Nagpur), along with IIM Nagpur faculty Prof. Nikunj Jain, Prof. Apoorv Khare, Prof. Ranjitha GP, and Prof. Yatish Joshi, who shared insights on advanced research and its practical applications.
