The ePGP course offered by IIM Ahmedabad is a two-year master's degree programme designed for working professionals. Source: Facebook
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad held a virtual convocation ceremony for graduates from the e-Mode Post Graduate Programme (ePGP), which was attended by the institute’s faculty, staff, alumni, graduating students and their families.
A total of 62 ePGP students graduated with a Master of Management Studies degree and the top achievers in the batch were awarded merit certificates.
IIM Ahmedabad director Errol D’Souza welcomed the chief guest — Larsen & Toubro Ltd senior vice-president Hasit Joshipura — for the January 22 ceremony which was broadcast Live on the institute’s YouTube channel.
Delivering the convocation address, Joshipura congratulated the graduating students, appreciating their passion for studying even as they continued to work and run their businesses. “The future for the generations of today is far more potentially fulfilling than it was for my generation, given the straight jackets that we had to fit into. And you are part of that benefitted generation. I wish you all great success in your future endeavours,” he said.
Speaking about how the corporate culture has evolved over the decades, Joshipura recalled, “Corporations used to offer lifetime employment and in return, loyalty was what the employee offered. That contract went out at least two decades ago, if not more. The pandemic has resulted in one more format, which is work from home, and already companies are contemplating differential compensation depending on your geography of work.”
He added, “Young people do not wish to be confined in a straitjacket of formal employment, but prefer working for a period and then take a break to pursue other interests. Employers will have to develop flexible formats apart from flexible cultures, which accommodate maverick innovators.”
Addressing the audience, D’Souza lauded the students, faculty and their families for their perseverance and commitment in the face of the pandemic. “Management and I dare say good living is about self-awareness, mindfulness and self-control. You have been exposed at the institute to some of these principles and about taking ownership for the decisions you make. We wish you all success as you step out as ambassadors of the institute and look forward to the myriad achievements that we are sure you will actualize. It is for you to control your destiny and do keep in mind that if you do not, then someone else will. Our very best to you and your families,” said D’Souza.
The ePGP course offered by IIM Ahmedabad is a two-year master's degree programme which is unique in its approach, delivery and experience. The course is designed for working professionals. While other IIM Ahmedabad long-duration programmes are residential, the ePGP is offered over more than 850 hours of classroom sessions over a live interactive classroom online, which allows students to take lessons at study centres in their own cities. These students also come to the IIM Ahmedabad campus into physical classrooms for specific modules that are scheduled at periodic intervals through the programme.