Margdarshak 3

The overwhelming success of the first two editions of MARGDARSHAK AWARDS gave huge impetus to FOSTIIMA Business School to launch the third edition. Once again FOSTIIMA cast its net far and wide to reach out to a vast section of HR fraternity who had not been able to participate earlier. The previous editions had generated a lot of awareness about the Awards. There were innumerable queries on participation fee. It was indeed a very pleasant surprise when they learnt that MARGDARSHAK AWARDS did not have any Registration Fee. The realisation that it was the solemnity and reverence of the memory of the founding faculty added immense prestige to these Awards. Once again FOSTIIMA scouted for outstanding HR luminaries who were measured by M/s KPMG as per their international template. As usual there were clarifications on T & C and expectations of M/s KPMG.

After attending to concerns of the participants, the Application Forms started flowing in and were forwarded to The Advisory Council. As per established practice, the Advisory Council examined the candidature of the participants with uncompromising rigour. The short-listed candidates were finally selected by an eminent Panel of Jury as the awardees for 10 categories i.e., Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement, Transformational Management, Young Turk of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Acquisition & Retention, Disruptor of the Year, Employee Engagement and the Director of the Year.

The Award Ceremony, held in December 2024, was a memorable eveninge where great HR professionals came together to be recognized and awarded. It was presided over by Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Member of Parliament.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Tharoor stated that he was “Delighted to be with you and it’s wonderful to participate in the third edition of “. MARGDARSHAK AWARDS”

Dr Tharoor recalled the efforts and contribution of the founding faculty who, under the stewardship of first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, gave up their lucrative assignments to build the newly established Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. Dr Tharoor thanked FOSTIIMA for re-igniting that vision by introducing MARGDARSAK AWARDS. At the same time, Dr Tharoor reminded FOSTIIMA that the road ahead is long and the institute must traverse the path to continue to be a source of inspiration to young aspirational managers, educators and entrepreneurs

Dr Tharoor recalled the tireless efforts of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the leader of India’s space program who pioneered management education in the country and whose visionary leadership inspired many to achieve heights of excellence in their fields. Dr Tharoor particularly lauded the action of the Director of IIMA, Prof Ravi Mathai, who voluntary stepped down stating that the Institute needed another direction for which another suitable person should occupy the office of the Director. “We don’t see much of that today” Dr Tharoor remarked.

Dr Tharoor shared the evolution of business education as it evolved from USA which saw the sprouting of several business schools and how the trend came to India. Dr Tharoor was categorical in stating that it would be very short sighted to view IIMs as imparting management education. In fact, they prepare you for life. It’s quite commonplace to see so many graduates taking to careers vastly different from management education.