The Foundation Day and Academic Inauguration Ceremony of Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies (DSIMS) and Durgadevi Saraf Global Business School (DSGS) was celebrated at Durgadevi Saraf Hall on Saturday, 27th September 2025, marking another milestone in the institution's commitment to value-based management education.
The ceremony commenced at 11:15 AM with the National Anthem, followed by Saraswati Vandana rendered by student Keshav Jadhav. The ceremonial lamp lighting by all dignitaries inaugurated the proceedings. Dr. C Babu, Director DSIMS, delivered the welcome address, followed by Dr. Sarita Vichore, Director DSGS. President Shri Ashok M. Saraf addressed the gathering, highlighting the institution's vision and growth.
Chief Guest Mr. Anuj Jain, Former MD & CEO of Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, was introduced and presented with a bouquet by Mr. J.P. Khemka, Joint Treasurer RSET. Mr. Jain emphasized crisis management, Porter's Five Forces framework, and the importance of understanding ground realities in business environments. Following his address, Mr. Anuj Jain and Shri Ashok Saraf presented awards to PGDM students.
The PGDM awardees included: Kartikey Kashyape & Lily Killen (Best Active Alumnus Batch 2022-24), Manavkumar Panchal (Best Placement Coordinator Batch 2023-25), Padiya Krunal (Best Coordinator Institute Activities Batch 2023-25), Abhishek Yadav (Best Sportsperson Batch 2023-25), Om Shetty (Best All Rounder Batch 2023-25), Hemanshi Vaghasiya (Best Coordinator ISR Activities Batch 2023-25), and Preeti Rajesh Verma (Best Library User Batch 2024-25).
Keynote Speaker Mr. Prashant Nair, CHRO of Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd, received a bouquet from Dr. C Babu. He addressed the unpredictable BANI world where attitude precedes skills, introducing five C's: Conceptual Clarity, Context (understanding changing consumer dynamics in evolving economic and political landscapes), Collaboration (emphasizing that a team of stars doesn't make a star team), and Challenges while celebrating life. He stressed the importance of group projects in honing collaborative skills. Mr. Prashant Nair and Shri Ashok Saraf then felicitated MMS students.
The MMS awardees comprised: Jyotishree Mallala (Best Active Alumnus Batch 2022-24), Yash Thote (Best Placement Coordinator Batch 2023-25), Priya Choksi (Best Coordinator Institute Activities Batch 2023-25), Adarsh Sonkar (Best Sportsperson Batch 2023-25), Soumen Medda (Best All Rounder Batch 2023-25), Sumeet Sharma (Best Coordinator ISR Activities Batch 2023-25), and Vikram Laxmanram Joshi (Best Library User Batch 2024-25).
Special Guest Ms. Meetal Vyas, Head of Organization & Talent Development at KEC International Ltd, was welcomed with a bouquet by Dr. Sarita Vichore. She urged students to be curious, ask the right questions, own and adapt by treating jobs as fields rather than mere designations, and remain agile in the VUCA and BANI world to escape conventional labels. The Top Achievers Awards were presented by Ms. Meetal Vyas and Shri Ashok Saraf: Ghanshyamdas Saraf Award for Academic Excellence (PGDM 2024-2026) to Payal Rajendra Karvir and Durgadevi Saraf Award for Academic Excellence (MMS 2024-2026) to Rashi Divyesh Trivedi. Mementos to all distinguished guests were presented by Mr. J.P. Khemka.
The unveiling of the 11th Remsons International Research Conference proceedings marked a significant academic achievement. The conference, held on 2nd August 2025, focused on the theme of building 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' strategies for sustainable development, with Remsons Research Committee members being called to the dais for the unveiling ceremony.
Prof. Somesh Banerji, Assistant Dean of Corporate Engagement & IIPC, DSIMS & DSGS, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all dignitaries, guests, faculty, staff, and students in making the Foundation Day celebration a grand success. The ceremony concluded with a commemorative photograph and lunch arrangements for all attendees.