Strive to become job creators rather than seekers, Odisha governor tells IIM-Sambalpur students
At the 10th convocation of the Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur (IIM-S), Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati urged graduating students to aspire to create jobs rather than merely seek them. Emphasizing India’s expanding landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation, he encouraged the cohort to embrace opportunity, take calculated risks, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth story.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor underscored the importance of adaptability, noting that professional success hinges on the ability to evolve with changing times. He highlighted that rapid technological shifts, new business models, and dynamic markets demand an agile mindset, continuous learning, and readiness to lead through uncertainty.
Entrepreneurship and innovation at the forefront
Applauding IIM Sambalpur for harmonizing tradition with modernity, the Governor pointed to India’s Startup Revolution as a powerful engine of economic and social transformation. He referenced the momentum created by national initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, Make in India, and Skill India—programs that have cultivated a conducive environment for enterprise, digital adoption, advanced manufacturing, and skills development.
He urged the students to channel their management education into building ventures that generate employment, foster inclusive growth, and tackle pressing real-world challenges. The message was clear: by developing resilient, innovative businesses, graduates can help shape a competitive and sustainable future for India.
Convocation highlights
This convocation marked a milestone for IIM Sambalpur, with a total of 416 students earning their degrees across five academic programs. The graduating cohort comprised:
- 314 students from the MBA batch (2024–26)
- 39 students from the Executive MBA (2023–25)
- 36 students from the Executive MBA (2024–26)
- 17 students from the Executive MBA for working professionals (2024–26)
- 5 PhD scholars
- 5 students from the PhD program for working professionals
Beyond the numbers, the ceremony celebrated the institute’s ethos of combining managerial rigor with ethical leadership, design thinking, and a sensitivity to local contexts—qualities the Governor suggested are essential for building enterprises that are both profitable and purposeful.
Odisha’s growing opportunities
Highlighting Odisha’s economic potential, the Governor noted the state’s emergence as a center for industrial growth and entrepreneurship. He emphasized strong prospects across manufacturing, mining, textiles, information technology, and renewable energy. With supportive policies, infrastructure development, and a deepening talent pool, Odisha offers a conducive environment for startups and established firms alike.
He encouraged the fresh graduates to engage with these sectors—either by launching ventures that address regional needs or by taking leadership roles within existing organizations—to accelerate the state’s development. By leveraging their IIM training in strategy, operations, finance, analytics, and leadership, graduates can build scalable solutions, strengthen supply chains, and unlock value across the wider ecosystem.
A call to lead and evolve
In his closing remarks, the Governor reminded students that their careers will be defined not only by knowledge but also by courage, resilience, and adaptability. Whether pursuing entrepreneurship or corporate paths, he urged them to maintain a learning mindset, stay attuned to technological and societal shifts, and center their work on impact.
The convocation underscored a shared aspiration: that IIM Sambalpur’s new graduates will be catalysts for innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth—helping Odisha and India move confidently toward a more dynamic and prosperous future.
