SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh Hosts 1st Leadership Talks with Keshni Anand Arora, IAS (Retd.) 

SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh proudly hosted its first Leadership Talks under its Leadership Series from the Foresight Forum of NMIMS, featuring Keshni Anand Arora, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana and Ex-Chairperson, Haryana Water Resources Authority. The event highlighted NMIMS’ commitment to blending academic learning with real-world leadership experiences. 
The programme began with a serene Saraswati Vandana, followed by the felicitation of Smt. Arora by Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh.  
Welcoming the distinguished guest, Dr. Singh affirmed the institute’s vision, stating that “leadership cannot be taught within four walls—principles can be taught in classrooms, but leadership is learnt in the field.” She noted that NMIMS continues to emphasize experiential leadership in alignment with the vision of the Vice Chancellor and leadership team. Dr. Singh added, “At NMIMS, we aim to nurture leaders who shape society with integrity and courage.” 
Keshni Anand Arora delivered an interactive session on “Lessons on Leadership”, drawing from her illustrious career spanning four decades. A 1983-batch IAS officer, she has served in crucial roles including Chief Secretary of Haryana, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management), MD of state-level corporations, and Regional Deputy Director General of UIDAI, where she contributed to Aadhaar implementation and Direct Benefit Transfer systems across northern India. Her leadership in e-governance reforms and later as Chairperson of HWRA highlighted her deep impact on public administration. 
Using real-life anecdotes—from cracking the Civil Services to navigating administrative challenges—she illustrated the principles that shaped her leadership journey. Discussing her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, she shared how collaborative planning and team morale enabled Haryana to emerge as one of India’s best-performing states. Throughout her talk, she emphasized that “positivity and appreciation are not soft traits—they are powerful tools that inspire people to excel,” and encouraged students to maintain integrity, remarking that “learning to say ‘no’ at the right time is essential for preserving one’s values as a leader.” She urged young Indians to believe in themselves and contribute to nation-building rather than participating in the growing trend of brain drain. 
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A, where students sought guidance on dealing with anxiety, work pressure, and overcoming professional challenges. Smt. Arora addressed each question thoughtfully, offering practical, experience-based insights that resonated strongly with the audience. 
Dr. Jyotsna Singh presented a token of appreciation to the guest, and the event concluded with the National Anthem, marking a memorable beginning to the Leadership Talks series at NMIMS Chandigarh.