The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya successfully concluded its annual leadership summit, Netritva 2025, on February 9th, 2025. This one-of-a-kind leadership event in Bihar brought together bureaucrats, thought leaders, industry experts, and digital creators to discuss the evolving dynamics of leadership in the modern world. The summit provided a platform for leaders to inspire and guide the next generation, focusing on innovation, societal values, and the digital creators’ economy.
The summit was inaugurated by Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, who emphasized the importance of vision in leadership. She highlighted the distinction between a manager and a leader, stating that true leadership lies in the ability to envision the future. Dr. Sahay encouraged students to reflect on their purpose, legacy, and the broader impact of their leadership. Following her inspiring address, Dr. Sanjay Kaushal, Chairperson of the Media and PR committee, delivered the welcome speech, setting the tone for the event.
The event featured two keynote addresses by distinguished speakers. Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission, spoke on leadership, public service, and societal values. He urged young leaders to define their purpose early and embrace dharma—a responsibility toward society—inspired by leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Sh. Amit Lodha, Inspector General of Police, Bihar, and the real-life inspiration behind the Netflix series Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, emphasized that power comes with responsibility. He stressed the importance of responsible citizenship and pursuing work that brings fulfillment, as it sustains long-term motivation.
The summit also featured two engaging panel discussions, each focusing on critical aspects of leadership and innovation. The first panel, themed “Evolution of Leadership,” included Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, bestselling author and expert on Chanakya and strategy; Chhavi Rajawat, India’s first female MBA Sarpanch; Swapnil Gawande, Managing Director of DEESHA Group; and Vipin Yadav, educator and content creator. Moderated by Pratyush Singh, a first-year MBA student at IIM Bodh Gaya, the discussion explored traditional and contemporary leadership models. Dr. Pillai emphasized that leadership is a natural science, evolving with societal changes. Ms. Rajawat likened leaders to water—adaptable and ever-growing, while Mr. Gawande highlighted the importance of a strong value system and serving society. Mr. Yadav stressed the need for self-reflection and collaborative leadership in today’s world.
The second panel, “Ethos of the Creators’ Economy,” focused on content creation, personal branding, and resilience in the digital space. Panelists included Aaditya Iyengar, finance content creator and CFA charter holder; Devan Bhalla, marketing expert and LinkedIn Top Voice; Bibhuti Bhushan, entrepreneur and content creator; and Manjyoti Parasar, AI educator and content creator. Moderated by Saangwi Patel, a second-year MBA student at IIM Bodh Gaya, the discussion highlighted the importance of contextualizing digital reach and building genuine connections with audiences. Panelists debunked myths around personal branding, emphasizing that content should drive action, not just visibility. Key takeaways included the importance of consistency, adaptability, and audience-focused strategies.
The summit concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vishal Ashok Wankhede, co-chairperson of the Media and PR committee. Netritva 2025 served as a platform where the aspirations of young minds met the wisdom of experienced leaders, reflecting IIM Bodh Gaya’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-life leadership.