Teachers’ Day at PCTE Marked by Inspiring Lecture from IIM Rohtak Director

Ludhiana, September 5, 2025: The PCTE Group of Institutes hosted an engaging and thought-provoking session by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, on “Life Orientation: Purpose of Life.” The lecture, organized exclusively for the faculty members of PCTE, took place at the Crimson Hall and aimed at broadening perspectives beyond academics and routine pedagogy.
Prof. Sharma, an eminent academician and globally recognized thought leader, has previously served at IIM Ahmedabad and has over 24 years of teaching experience across Asia, Europe, and North America. He has authored 12 books and published more than 250 research articles, apart from being listed among the Top 2% Researchers in the World by Stanford University. His deep insights into leadership, management, and life skills have earned him several national and international accolades.
In his address, Prof. Sharma emphasized that life orientation is about learning, reflection, and above all, action. He pointed out that academic journeys cannot be understood in isolation but must be contextualized within larger social, cultural, and personal dimensions. For educators, this translates into not only imparting knowledge but also guiding students to envision, focus, and cultivate resilience.
He drew attention to the hierarchy within the teaching profession as understood in the British system—lecturer, reader, professor—and used it to underline the importance of progression, responsibility, and intellectual growth within academia. Prof. Sharma also reflected on the imbalance in modern education where more focus is placed on rights than duties. He stressed that as teachers, the responsibility lies in instilling discipline, fortitude, and a sense of responsibility in students while also embodying these values themselves.
Another key highlight of the session was his observation on the job market in India. Contrary to popular belief that jobs are scarce, Prof. Sharma clarified that opportunities are plenty, but the challenge lies in the lack of the right skills. He remarked that the real crisis is for HR professionals, who struggle to find employable candidates despite vacancies. For faculty, this insight served as a reminder of the crucial role they play in bridging the skill gap by preparing students for industry expectations.
He also reflected on the influence of social media in shaping the mindset of today’s generation. While acknowledging its potential, he warned against superficial aspirations and urged educators to guide students toward meaningful engagement, deeper imagination, and purposeful achievement.
Quoting from The Godfather, he explained the line “Revolution starts from an empty stomach,” using it to illustrate how deprivation can fuel creativity, determination, and change, while abundance often leads to complacency. He encouraged faculty members to inspire students to embrace challenges, practice restraint, and celebrate achievements only after they are earned.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion where faculty members appreciated Prof. Sharma’s candid reflections and practical wisdom. His lecture was not just about personal orientation but also a call for educators to rethink their role as mentors, skill-builders, and shapers of future leaders.