Focus on villages: CM to IIM passouts

Tribune News Service

Solan, April 8

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today urged students of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Dhaula Kuan in Sirmaur district to focus on the development of the rural and hilly areas. He also exhorted them to work for the underprivileged with their expertise.

Addressing students at the first convocation of the IIM, the CM said their expertise could help in the growth and expansion of economic activities. He conferred degrees on 20 students of the postgraduate diploma course.

Virbhadra said management tools could simplify complex issues related to environmental sustainability, energy security, healthcare and sustainable development. He urged the faculty to have a broader and inclusive view of the management needs of the country. It would not only address the challenges of the industry, but also contribute to the development of the country, said the CM.

He said the state government was playing a pro-active role in establishing these institutions of importance by way of providing land free of cost. He said 200 acres had already been provided by the state government for the IIM campus.

Virbhadra said development was important for sustainable growth, research, development and training. He said the state government had made remarkable strides in the field of education and public health. “India can emerge as a strong nation only with the support of the knowledgeable and energetic youth,” said the CM.

Earlier, he awarded Roziwala Suraj Hira Lal for standing first in the postgraduate programme and Anas Ahmad for the best all-round performance.

Ajay Sriram, chairman, IIM-Sirmaur, welcomed the CM. He lauded the role of the state government in setting up the IIM. He said India had a sustainable growth which created diverse opportunities.

Nilu Rohmehtra, Director of the institute, while addressing the students, said research, development and training were necessary to achieve quality.