Pune: Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies (KIAMS) founded by the renowned Kirloskar Group conducted the Convocation of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) for the class of 2014. The chief guest for the occasion, Mrs. Lalita D Gupte, Chairperson –ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Limited and Mr. Nihal Kulkarni, Managing Director, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd (KOEL) presided over the convocation. The graduation ceremony was attended by the passing batch of students and their parents along with the staff and faculty members from both KIAMS locations in Harihar and Pune.

Mr. Nihal Kulkarni in his presidential speech citing the example of ‘How even good deeds of prince Bhishma resulted in a disaster’, said, “Every action has consequences, which no one can escape. My advice to the graduating batch is to be cautious while drawing inspirations from elders and always be conscious of the outcome”.

Mrs. Lalita Gupte in her convocation address congratulated the graduating students and counselled them to follow their passion and enjoy the work they do. “If you do not enjoy what you are doing, then probably you will not be productive”, she added. Commenting on the current scenario of the Indian economy, she said, “The Indian economy is in a better shape today than what it was in 1950’s when ICICI started as a single product bank and though there is a marginal dip in the economic growth presently, the phenomenon is temporary. So now is the opportunity when students should put their innovative mind to work and display best of their capabilities.”

Her address was followed by the conferment of the diplomas to all the graduating students. In the Annual Convocation-2014, a total of 116 Degrees/Diplomas were awarded to students who have successfully completed Post-graduation under KIAMS.

Mr. Nihal Kulkarni also honoured the students with gold and silver medals in the presence of Dr. Gopal Iyengar, Director, KIAMS, Dr. Janaki Naik, Director, KIAMS, Pune, faculty members & corporate dignitaries, staff and other guests. Mr. Varchasva Malaviya was awarded the gold medal while Ms. Nidhi Maheshwari bagged the silver medal.

Dr. Gopal Iyengar, Director KIAMS during his closing remarks appreciated the efforts of faculty and staff members who successfully executed academic, placements and admission processes and helped students be a part of various industry forums such as placement activities, seminars, guest lectures, summer projects etc. He also mentioned that the hard work of faculties in collaboration with the students lead to publication of research papers and cases in national and international journals, which indeed is an important achievement for us.

The placement season this year has seen a significant increase in the number of companies coming to KIAMS for recruitment. This trend is expected to continue in the coming days also till the placement process is completed.