Mumbai, Sep 09: Management education is evolving beyond preparing students for their first corporate role. With AI reshaping workplaces, financial markets changing rapidly and businesses becoming increasingly global, tomorrow’s managers need to develop adaptability, independent thinking and a wider understanding of the world.
This was reflected at the MMS program Batch 2026-28 Induction program at Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, themed ‘SAMVAAD – Connecting Minds, Creating Leaders’, which brought together perspectives from international diplomacy, financial markets, industry and education.
Addressing the students, Ms. Sato Hitomi, Consul-General, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai, highlighted the growing India-Japan relationship and the opportunities it presents for young professionals.
“Now you may be wondering what all of this means for you. It means opportunities. Opportunity to study abroad, especially in Japan. Opportunity to participate in research collaborations. Opportunity to work with global companies. Opportunity to contribute in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, mobility, sustainability, and innovation.”
Dr. Tirthankar Patnaik, Chief Economist, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, encouraged students to look beyond their starting salary and focus on the long-term value of their careers.
“The first part that you will do when you get out, in two years, would be ‘,0020What’s my starting salary?’ That’s what I will also think when I join the corporate world. But we forget that somebody could do much better over a five-year or a ten-year period. Think about your NPV, guys, and you realise that careers change a lot.”
For Mr. Vivek Nayak, Member, CDC, WeSchool, the two years should be about building knowledge and preparing for a rapidly changing professional world.
“Make the best out of these two years. Read as much as you can, learn as much as you can, prepare yourselves for the future that will take you into the corporate world.”
On AI, he stressed the importance of balancing technology with independent thinking:
“AI is coming to us in a big way, and I think it’s going to disrupt a lot of things. And it’s probably going to disrupt education also. So as you’re studying, embrace AI. Learn as many tools as you can. But make sure you understand the depth. If you depend completely on AI, then you stop thinking.”
Sr.Prof. Dr. Pankaj Ramesh Natu, Director, WeSchool, highlighted the significance of the institute’s 42nd MMS batch and the learning experience ahead.
“It is a wonderful feeling today to welcome the batch of 2026–28. I am delighted that this is the 42nd batch of MMS. It is a great feeling with such a rich legacy and today we have such honourable people here, great dignitaries who have come. I think this is actually a very auspicious moment for all of us.”
The induction set the tone for an MMS experience that goes beyond conventional classroom learning, encouraging students to understand emerging technologies, economic shifts and global opportunities while developing the curiosity, adaptability and independent thinking needed to become future leaders.
