Vision to Impact: Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, concluded its annual leadership summit, Netritva, on 9th February 2025. The summit was a one-of-a-kind leadership event in Bihar, bringing together bureaucrats, thought leaders, industry experts, and content creators for discussions on contemporary leadership and its evolving dynamics. It provided a platform for leaders to inspire and guide the next generation.
The event featured two keynote addresses and two-panel discussions centered on leadership, innovation, and the digital creators’ economy.
Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, inaugurated the summit and emphasised the importance of vision in leadership. She highlighted that the key distinction between a manager and a leader lies in their ability to envision the future. Encouraging students to reflect on their purpose, she posed thought-provoking questions on personal values, legacy, and the broader impact of leadership. Following this, Dr. Sanjay Kaushal, Chairperson of the Media and PR committee, delivered the welcome speech.
The summit featured two keynote addresses by Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission, and Sh. Amit Lodha, Inspector General of Police, Bihar. Shri Bharat Lal spoke on leadership, public service, and societal values, urging young leaders to define their purpose early. He emphasised that leadership goes beyond rights and duties—it is about embracing dharma, a responsibility toward society, echoing the ideals of leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
Sh. Amit Lodha, a real-life inspiration for the Netflix web series Khakee – The Bihar Chapter, emphasised that power comes with responsibility and should be used to serve society. He highlighted that responsible citizenship is the most effective way to contribute to the nation and stressed the importance of pursuing what brings fulfillment, as it sustains motivation.
The first panel discussion, with the theme “Evolution of Leadership,” featured Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, bestselling author of over 22 books on Chanakya and strategy; and leadership expert Chhavi Rajawat, India’s first female MBA Sarpanch; Swapnil Gawande, Managing Director, DEESHA Group; and Vipin Yadav, educator and content creator. The discussion explored traditional and contemporary leadership models. The session was moderated by Pratyush Singh, a first-year MBA student of IIM Bodh Gaya.
Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai opened the discussion by emphasising that leadership is a natural science, present in all aspects of life. He stressed the need for leadership to evolve with time, adapting to societal changes. Building on this idea, Ms. Chhavi Rajawat illustrated that a leader should be like water—adaptable, constantly learning, and growing. Mr. Swapnil highlighted the significance of a strong value system and emphasised that one is never too young to start serving society. Mr. Vipin underscored the importance of self-reflection when facing conflicts between personal ethics and corporate objectives. He also focused on the growing need for collaborative leadership today.
The second panel discussion, “Ethos of the Creators’ Economy,” focused on content creation, personal branding, and resilience in the digital space. The panelists included Aaditya Iyengar, finance content creator, CFA charter holder & investment strategist; Devan Bhalla, marketing expert, and LinkedIn Top Voice; Bibhuti Bhushan, entrepreneur & content creator; and Manjyoti Parasar, AI educator & content creator. Saangwi Patel, a second-year MBA student of IIM Bodh Gaya, moderated the session.
Aditya Iyengar opened the discussion with the importance of contextualizing digital reach, encouraging creators to view their audience as individuals rather than numbers. Bibhuti Bhusan and Devan Bhalla shared insights on handling underperforming content, emphasizing adaptability and audience focus. Bibhuti spoke about prioritizing impact over numbers, while Devan discussed data-driven optimization and visual storytelling, advocating for repurposing content and building a structured audience journey.
The discussion addressed myths around personal branding, stating that content should drive action rather than visibility. Panelists advised aspiring creators to identify their niche, leverage insights, and maintain consistency. The session concluded with the takeaway that success in any creative endeavour is a combination of consistency, adaptability, and a genuine connection with the audience.
The end of the panel marked the conclusion of the Leadership Summit. Dr. Vishal Ashok Wankhede, co-chairperson of the Media and PR committee, delivered the vote of thanks. Netritva serves as a platform where the aspirations of young minds meet the wisdom and experience of prominent leaders. The summit reflects IIM Bodh Gaya’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-life leadership.
