IIM Nagpur’s Margdarshak’s Meet 2026 Connects Students with Corporate Leaders for Mentorship
Senior industry professionals share career insights, leadership lessons and guidance with students of the Professional Management Practice programme
Nagpur, October 11, 2026 | By Suman Munshi, IBG NEWS
The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur) organised Margdarshak’s Meet 2026 on Sunday, bringing together more than 60 industry mentors and students enrolled in its Professional Management Practice (PMP) programme. Held at the institute’s campus in MIHAN, Nagpur, the event focused on professional mentorship, leadership development and preparing students for the transition from academic learning to corporate careers.
The gathering formed part of an eight-month mentoring initiative designed to help students gain practical insights from experienced corporate professionals and develop a clearer understanding of workplace expectations.
Former HPCL Chairman Highlights the Importance of Mentorship
Dr. Pushp Kumar Joshi, former Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), attended the programme as Chief Guest. Speaking on the theme “Role of Mentors in Professional Success: A Personal Saga,” he encouraged students to communicate openly with their mentors and develop clarity about their ambitions and long-term goals.
He emphasised that meaningful conversations and honest self-reflection are essential to making the most of professional guidance.
EQ, IQ and Spiritual Intelligence in the AI Era
Addressing the changing demands of professional life, Dr. Joshi highlighted the importance of balancing emotional quotient (EQ), intelligence quotient (IQ) and spiritual quotient (SQ), particularly as artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces.
He urged students to look beyond professional achievements and consider their broader personal aspirations. Emphasising that an individual’s identity extends beyond their occupation, he observed, “My life is bigger than my profession.”
Dr. Joshi also underlined the value of developing spiritual intelligence early in life, describing SQ as a foundation for self-esteem. He encouraged students to begin this process during their formative years rather than postponing personal development until later in life.
Corporate Leaders Share Practical Career Lessons
The experience-sharing session featured senior professionals from diverse corporate backgrounds:
- Sajjad Ahmed Shaik, Senior Director, Capgemini
- Neha Mathur, former Chief Human Resources Officer, Urban Company
- Praveen Gawali, Head of Human Resources (Textile), Raymond
- Lalit Kar, Senior Vice President – Workforce Management, Reliance Retail
Drawing on their professional and mentoring experiences, the speakers encouraged students to remain attentive, ask thoughtful questions and actively learn from the practical knowledge of their mentors.
Their discussions highlighted the value of industry exposure in helping aspiring professionals understand organisational expectations, workplace challenges and the skills required for career progression.
Academic Leadership and Student Participation
Prof. Alok Kumar Singh, Dean – Executive Education, delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Devashis Rath, the course instructor, introduced the programme and established its context.
Students also participated through a Placement Committee (Placecom) presentation and cultural performances, adding to the programme’s academic and interactive character. Prof. Rath delivered the vote of thanks during the inaugural session.
Mentorship as a Bridge to Corporate Success
Margdarshak’s Meet 2026 reinforced the role of structured mentorship in connecting classroom learning with real-world professional experience. By facilitating direct interaction with senior industry leaders, the initiative seeks to help students strengthen their professional judgement, identify career goals and prepare for the responsibilities of corporate life.
The programme also highlighted that professional success involves more than technical knowledge alone. Emotional maturity, self-awareness, curiosity and a willingness to learn remain important attributes for individuals navigating an increasingly technology-driven business environment.
Source: IIM Nagpur press note, Margdarshak’s Meet 2026.
Reported by: Suman Munshi, Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
