"Leadership Emerges from Trust": Delhi LG Sandhu Inspires Future Managers at IIM Rohtak

Rohtak, June 28, 2026: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Rohtak, welcomed the incoming PGP 17 cohort with an inspiring address by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, IFS (Retd.), who urged future managers to embrace leadership rooted in trust, sound judgment, and purpose. Addressing the students during the inaugural ceremony of the Institute's Induction and Orientation Programme, Lieutenant Governor reflected on the changing role of management education in preparing leaders for an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The ceremony commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the beginning of a new academic journey. The new PGP batch showcases a diverse student community, with nearly 50% female representation and participants from 24 states and Union Territories, reflecting a rich blend of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that will enrich the learning environment.

In his address, Lieutenant Governor Sandhu emphasized the evolving role of management education in preparing leaders capable of navigating an increasingly interconnected world shaped by innovation, artificial intelligence, and rapid technological transformation. Referring to the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, he urged students to leverage AI responsibly, adopt global best practices, and contribute towards India's aspiration of emerging as a Vishwaguru.

Stressing that India's youth are its greatest strength, he highlighted the country's demographic dividend as a key comparative advantage and stressed on the importance of capacity building and skill development to keep pace with technological advancement. He remarked, "Management is no longer only about efficiency, resource allocation, and productivity. It is about navigating uncertainty, where sustainability and profitability may not always align."

Highlighting that effective leadership is built through continuous learning and exposure, Lieutenant Governor encouraged students to broaden their perspectives and develop sound judgement by engaging with diverse ideas and experiences. Echoing the  Prime Minister's message that leadership is founded on self-belief rather than authority, he observed, "Judgement develops through exposure to diverse perspectives, especially when there is no obvious answer. The true value of an institution lies in how it shapes the way students think. Leadership emerges from trust." He urged the incoming cohort to transform challenges into opportunities through innovative thinking, responsible leadership, and a commitment to nation-building.

Lieutenant Governor Sandhu encouraged the students to think beyond conventional boundaries and translate innovative ideas into action. He remarked, "Think outside the box and don't hesitate to do so. Start by solving local problems as they build confidence while creating meaningful impact. As students of an IIM, you have an added responsibility towards the nation and your fellow citizens."

Welcoming the new batch, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak, congratulated the students and their families as they began their management journey. Encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, he remarked, "IIM opens doors, but you have to take advantage of the resources, peer-to-peer learning, and self-learning."

The address was followed by an engaging interaction with students, during which Lieutenant Governor Sandhu shared his perspectives on governance, diplomacy, leadership, and India's expanding role on the global stage. The discussion reinforced the importance of developing responsible leaders capable of making informed decisions amidst uncertainty while remaining committed to public service and nation-building.
The induction ceremony concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak.