IndianOil Chairman A. S. Sahney Highlights Energy Security, Resilience and Leadership at IIM Bangalore’s 53rd Foundation Day

By Suman Munshi, Chief Editor, IBG NEWS

BENGALURU, October 28, 2026: IndianOil Chairman A. S. Sahney delivered the Foundation Day lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), emphasising India’s energy security, geopolitical preparedness, institutional resilience and the importance of people-centric leadership.

Speaking on the theme “India’s Energy Journey: IndianOil’s Role in Securing Energy, Navigating Geopolitics and Building Resilience,” Sahney called for stronger collaboration among industry, infrastructure, research institutions, academia and young innovators to advance India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

Addressing students, faculty, alumni and staff during the institute’s 53rd Foundation Day celebrations, he stressed that strong institutions are built on trust, shared purpose, teamwork and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Energy security and strategic preparedness

Sahney highlighted the growing importance of diversifying energy sources, strengthening domestic capabilities and building resilient supply chains amid an uncertain geopolitical environment. Referring to recent LPG supply disruptions, he underlined the coordinated efforts of refinery engineers, procurement teams, railway personnel, transport operators and distributors in managing supply challenges.

He cautioned future managers against prioritising short-term cost efficiency at the expense of long-term preparedness, noting that organisations must be equipped to respond to disruptions that cannot always be predicted.

Reflecting on IndianOil’s contribution during the COVID-19 crisis, he recalled the organisation’s efforts to support the production, procurement and transportation of life-saving liquid medical oxygen during the devastating second wave. He said the experience demonstrated that an institution’s real strength lies not only in its infrastructure and technology but also in the commitment and courage of its people.

Leadership, transformation and future-ready capabilities

Drawing on more than three decades of experience in refining and petrochemicals, including assignments across five of IndianOil’s nine refineries, Sahney emphasised that leadership is fundamentally about empowering people, encouraging innovation and building trust.

He also cited the achievement of India’s women’s hockey team, noting with pride that half of the players in the victorious team were IndianOil employees. He credited the athletes’ determination, teamwork and perseverance for their success.

Discussing the role of technology and artificial intelligence in modern energy operations, he observed that digital tools are transforming decision-making and operational efficiency, while the fundamental principles of effective leadership remain unchanged.

Sahney outlined IndianOil’s Project SPRINT, a three-year transformation roadmap built around the 3Cs—Core, Cost and Customer—and the 3Ts—Technology, Talent and Transition. The initiative aims to strengthen the company’s existing operations while preparing it for emerging opportunities through measurable goals, greater accountability and organisational agility.

He also highlighted IndianOil’s growing focus on energy-transition initiatives, including biofuels, Compressed BioGas (CBG), green hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Urging students to remain open to change, Sahney warned that past achievements could become obstacles if organisations failed to evolve. He encouraged young professionals to develop new capabilities, take on challenging assignments and explore opportunities in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and agriculture.

IIM Bangalore highlights academic growth and institutional partnerships

In his address, IIM Bangalore Director-in-Charge Professor U. Dinesh Kumar acknowledged the support extended by the Central Government, particularly the Ministry of Education, and the Government of Karnataka.

He highlighted the institute’s initiatives in inclusive economic development, public policy, entrepreneurship and innovation, including collaborations with the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation.

Professor Kumar also discussed the institute’s undergraduate programmes at its Jigani campus. He acknowledged the contribution of Tata Trusts to the establishment of the IIMB-Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies and Axis Bank’s support for a Centre of Excellence in Economics, faculty development, research and student scholarships.

The institute’s incubation centre, NSRCEL, has also entered into a memorandum of understanding with IIT Kanpur to support deep-technology start-ups and help bring emerging technologies to market.

Highlighting IIM Bangalore’s achievements in rankings, sustainability, research and academic development, Professor Kumar said the institute must continue redefining excellence and preparing responsible leaders who create lasting value for society.

M. D. Ranganath, Member of the IIM Bangalore Board of Governors, reflected on the institution’s growth over five decades, from its original postgraduate programme to a broader portfolio encompassing undergraduate, digital and executive education. He credited the dedication of faculty, students and staff for the institute’s progress.

Alumni recognised for distinguished service

The Foundation Day celebrations also honoured two alumni with the IIM Bangalore Alumni Service Awards for their contributions to the institute and its wider alumni community.

The recipients were Ganesan Ramachandran (PGP 1994) and Nityanand Shenoy (PGP 1987).

Launched in 2023 during the institute’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, the awards recognise alumni whose sustained contributions strengthen IIM Bangalore and its alumni ecosystem.

Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, Dean of Alumni Relations and Development, conducted the ceremony and highlighted the importance of alumni engagement in supporting an institution’s long-term growth.

Both awardees expressed gratitude to IIM Bangalore and acknowledged the role of the institute and its alumni network in shaping their personal and professional journeys.

Long-service awards recognise faculty and staff

The celebrations also recognised the dedication of IIM Bangalore’s faculty and non-teaching staff through Long Service Awards.

Among non-teaching employees, awards were presented to 13 employees for completing 10 years of service, nine for 15 years and one for 35 years.

Faculty members were recognised for completing 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service, with three, one, six, one and two awardees respectively.

The staff awards were presented by Professor Venkatesh Panchapagesan, Dean of Administration, while Professor Sourav Mukherji presented the faculty awards.

Commander Ajaya Kumar S., Chief Administrative Officer of IIM Bangalore, delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks and coordinated the proceedings.

The 53rd Foundation Day celebrations underscored IIM Bangalore’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional development and responsible leadership, while Sahney’s address placed energy security, innovation, resilience and human capital at the centre of India’s long-term development agenda.

— IBG NEWS