ASBM Welcomes 20th MBA Batch at Aakanksha with Wisdom and Inspiration
On 30 August 2025, ASBM University hosted Aakanksha, the formal inauguration of the new academic batch of 2025–26. The occasion was graced by distinguished dignitaries: Shri V. S. Manimaran, Chairman and Managing Director of Visskan Aviation, Bengaluru, as the Chief Guest; Shri Harihar Patra, Director of Toshali Group of Hotels as Guest of Honour; and Shri Kamruddin Ansari, Founder and Director of MJM Multispecialty Hospital, Bokaro, Jharkhand, and Alumnus of ASBM University as Guest of Honour.
Following the ceremonial lamp lighting, Dr Padmanav Mohapatra, Dean of the School of Accountancy, rendered an invocation from the Upanishads, seeking divine blessings for the commencement of the new academic journey. Prof. (Dr) Ranjan Kumar Bal, Vice-Chancellor of the University, extended a gracious welcome to the incoming students and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished guests for their presence.
Shri Kamruddin Ansari shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to establishing a successful healthcare enterprise. Drawing from his professional experiences in multinational corporations and his entrepreneurial ventures, he encouraged students to embrace discipline, honesty, time management, and continuous self-improvement. Emphasising adaptability, risk-taking, and leadership as essential skills in today’s rapidly evolving world, he urged students to align themselves with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The pledge of integrity was administered by Prof. (Dr) Phalgu Niranjana, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, as the freshers solemnly vowed to uphold honesty, discipline, sincerity, and ethical values throughout their educational journey.
Shri Harihar Patra, in his address, drew from his diverse entrepreneurial journey to inspire the students. Recounting his experiences across sectors ranging from textiles to hospitality, he highlighted the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and viewing every challenge as an opportunity.
Chief Guest Shri V. S. Manimaran, CMD, Viskan Group commended ASBM University for nurturing a culture of excellence and producing industry-ready professionals. Drawing on his decades of entrepreneurial experience, he urged students to embrace lifelong learning and innovation, emphasising that every challenge carries valuable lessons. He outlined five guiding principles for success, encouraging them to remain curious and stay relevant, uphold ethics and integrity, think beyond borders with the belief that “the sky is not the limit”, recognise that diligence is not mere service, and balance dreams with discipline, because “a dream without discipline is just a wish.”
Presiding over the ceremony, Founder & President, Prof. (Dr) Biswajeet Pattanayak delivered his presidential address, warmly welcoming the incoming students and celebrating the institution’s evolution from its inception in 2006 as an autonomous B-school to its present stature as a multidisciplinary University. Marking the milestone of the 20th MBA batch, he reaffirmed ASBM’s mission of “nurturing aspiration – Aakanksha” and shaping leaders with courage and vision.
He urged students to embrace empathy as a hallmark of leadership, cultivate the ability to step beyond comfort zones, and develop the wisdom to “manage obsolescence” in a rapidly changing world.
Calling on students to pursue a life of purpose, he challenged them to “run after significance, not success,” adding that “success is a hallucination, an intoxication” if it does not translate into service. He reminded them that true leadership lies in making a meaningful impact on others’ lives, and that even “the sincerity of two people can change the world.”
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Prof. Manmath Nath Samantaray, Dean, Academics.
The ceremony was graced by the Vice President of the University, Prof. (Dr) Kalyan Shankar Ray; Principal Director, Prof. (Dr) Smaraki Pattanayak; the Registrar; all the Deans; faculty members; and students.
In the afternoon, senior students extended a warm welcome to the newcomers through a vibrant cultural programme, celebrating talent, creativity, and camaraderie.