Panjab University Begins Hybrid Orientation Programme for MBA Distance Education Batch

Chandigarh, October 12, 2026: The Centre for Distance and Online Education, Panjab University, began a new chapter for its MBA Semester I (2026 to 28) batch with a hybrid orientation programme. It was organised by the Department of Commerce and Management Studies. For learners who may be anxious about starting a management degree through distance and online mode, the orientation matters. It gave them a clear sense of direction and put them in touch with professionals who have already done what they hope to do. It also reminded them that this programme blends academic study with professional growth.
Prof. Anupreet K. Mavi, Director, UIAMS, was the Guest of Honour. She spoke about managerial skills, effective leadership, empathy, value creation, discipline and curiosity. She urged students to connect classroom learning with practical experience in an era of economic transformation. She also encouraged proactive engagement and resilience in difficult times.
Keynote speaker Dharampal Sharma, Vice President and Cluster Head, Axis Bank, Mohali, drew on his own life journey. His advice was blunt and memorable. A copy-and-paste approach will not work in an MBA program, and applying what you learn is a more effective way to learn. He told students to always be learners and called a CV honest feedback about oneself. He also warned that corporate life is far more dynamic than academic life.
Online from Bengaluru, Jagnoor Singh, CEO of Practo, led an interactive session. He asked students to be clear about why they joined the MBA and to turn a goal or dream into a plan. He also urged them to use AI tools for greater efficiency and success. Dr Amandeep Singh Marwaha, the training and placement officer at UIAMS, gave practical tips and closing remarks. He said students cannot avoid books, should use a professional email ID to be taken seriously, and should learn about job responsibilities well in advance.
Prof. Geeta Bansal, Director, CDOE, was the driving force of the event. She welcomed the 19th MBA batch and the dignitaries, setting a motivating tone with the words "dilmaange more". She acknowledged that these are challenging times and asked students to be flexible. Her advice was to identify problems and convert them into opportunities. She also encouraged reading newspapers and watching films for learning, and she gave examples from visionary business leaders. Her message was the best note to end on. In challenging times, the learner who keeps wanting more and who sees an opportunity inside every problem is the one who will lead.
The orientation session was conducted by Akansha Sharma, Academic Counsellor for MBA and Commerce Studies at the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Panjab University.