The MBA Induction Program, IGNITE 2025-26, at MKSSS’S Smt. Hiraben Nanavati Institute of Management and Research for Women, took place from 16th to 18th September 2025. The program was carefully designed to introduce the new MBA batch to the academic, co-curricular and extracurricular atmosphere of the institute, prepare them for the challenges of management education and inspire them to start their journey with confidence and enthusiasm. Over three days, students participated in a variety of sessions that included institutional orientation, parental engagement, mentorship, skill-building workshops, corporate insights, and creative integration activities, resulting in a well-rounded and enriching experience.
The first day, 16th September 2025, began the program with the Institutional Welcome and Inauguration Ceremony wherein we had Ms. Aditi Gadkari – Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Innovance as chief guest and Smt. Vidya Kulkarni & Dr. P.V.S Shastry as samstha representatives. This opening session set the stage for the induction, as students were welcomed into the institute and introduced to its vision and values. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, fostering a sense of belonging among the new students. The first day included a Curriculum Discussion that gave students an overview of the MBA structure, course design, and evaluation process. This provided them with clarity and direction for their two-year academic journey. Another key feature of the day was the Parents Meet, aimed at strengthening the relationship between families and the institution. Esteemed guests, including Smt. Vidya Kulkarni and Dr. P.V.S Shastry attended the gathering, which began with a motivational address by the Director. Parents had the chance to ask questions, share suggestions, and provide feedback, creating positive dialogue. They appreciated the clear communication and expressed satisfaction with the institute’s approach to involving families in the students’ journey. The program also showcased a short video that highlighted the institution’s legacy. Parents actively participated in discussions afterward. A significant highlight of the day was the “Know Your Mentor” session, which introduced students to their mentors, the administrative team, and support staff. This initiative aimed to reassure students that they had a supportive network of guidance, both academic and administrative, for their two-year program. The session cultivated trust and connection, reinforcing the culture of mentorship that the institute values.
The second day, 17th September 2025, focused on professional development and corporate preparedness. Dr. Madhuri Khambete addressed the gathering briefly and extended her heartfelt best wishes to the incoming MBA batch. Her words of encouragement motivated students to embrace the opportunities ahead with positivity and determination. Dr. Kuiljeit Uppaal led an enlightening session on career and corporate readiness on the theme “ Breaking barriers and building brand you’’ for the students. By coordinating personal growth with industry standards, this session aimed to prepare students for a seamless transition from academia to the business world. The presenters stressed the value of proactive skill development, goal-setting, and self-awareness. The day also included a practical session on Resume Building, LinkedIn Profiling and Networking, conducted by Mrs. Saudamini Bhavsar. She emphasized the need for a strong professional presence on digital platforms and introduced essential elements for a compelling LinkedIn profile. Her guidance included professional photos, impactful headlines, authentic storytelling in the “About Me” section, and aligning skills with career goals. She introduced the 3C Rule – Connect, Converse, and Contribute, which resonated with students as a guide for genuine networking. Students were encouraged to update their LinkedIn profiles right away, making the session both actionable and relevant to their future careers. Following this session, students attended a motivating ‘Business Communication’ session led by Mr. Vinit Bhatia. Mr. Bhatia used stories and interactive activities to highlight the importance of communication skills in building personal and professional identity. He stressed the importance of grooming, body language, listening skills, and confidence in both spoken and written communication. He shared practical advice on email etiquette, telephone and WhatsApp communication, and presentation skills. His engaging exercises encouraged students to reflect on their communication styles and identify areas for improvement. One of the most engaging sessions was on “Corporate Expectations in the 21st Century.” This session featured two distinguished panelists: Mr. Akshay Nahar and Vrinda Parasnis. They discussed the skills, mindset, and values needed for success in a dynamic corporate environment. Vrinda Parasnis emphasized the importance of strong fundamentals, resilience, agility, and continuous learning, while Mr. Nahar highlighted the role of curiosity in professional growth. They discussed balancing specialized and diverse skills, the value of empathy and inclusiveness in global teams, and how internships and projects can serve as essential steppingstones to career success. The role of technology was also addressed, with panelists urging students to see artificial intelligence as a powerful tool when used wisely. Students actively joined the discussion, identifying teamwork, leadership, and time management as key skills for MBA aspirants. The program also featured a special session by Pranjal Pandit, Life Coach on the topic, “ Self Discovery and SWOT for career planning’’, who inspired students to adopt a positive mindset and focus on self-discovery as a key part of their MBA journey. The second day concluded with the interactive “Your MBA Roadmap – Skill Tracker Creation” workshop led by Mr. Soham Dadarkar. Through engaging activities, Mr. Dadarkar demonstrated how to identify, track, and strengthen skills for long-term growth. He shared his journey of using drama in learning, explaining how creative methods can make complex concepts easier to understand and enjoyable. His session inspired students to participate actively and reflect on their personal MBA roadmaps, making it one of the most memorable experiences.
The final day, 18th September 2025, stressed academic preparedness and creative expression. Students attended library orientation sessions on academic resources like DELNET, BSmart App, NDLI, and EBSCO, which introduced them to important digital databases and research tools for their MBA studies. These sessions equipped them with vital skills to navigate knowledge resources effectively. The juniors were formally introduced to the Senior Student Council during the second part of the day. The senior students then led an ice-breaking activity to help the new group develop teamwork and camaraderie. Important guidelines regarding eligibility and scholarships were also given to the students, guaranteeing that they understood the procedures and opportunities. The program concluded with the Induction Closure Ceremony, where reflections on the three-day journey were shared. Students were encouraged to carry forward the lessons learned, face challenges confidently.
To sum up, the MBA Induction Program 2025-26 effectively blended mentorship, corporate exposure, academic orientation, co-curricular and extra-curricular integration into a comprehensive three-day program.
The event was organized under the guidance of Dr. Priyanka Singh – Director, HNIMR.
