FORE School of Management organised its annual Induction Ceremony at Bharat Mandapam for the incoming PGDM batch of 2026–28 and FPM batch-08. Students, parents, faculty members, alumni and industry leaders attended the ceremony, which formally opened the new academic session at the institute.

The batch brings together students from different academic streams, including Management (29.34%), Commerce (26.04%), Engineering & IT (19.03%), Science (13.33%), Arts (9.43%), Law (1.04%) and other disciplines (1.79%). Students have joined from across the country, with 71.7% coming from outside Delhi and 28.3% from the National Capital Region. The batch represents 25 states, adding to the institute’s national character.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said, “AI is here, and it is here to stay. With trillions of dollars-sums larger than the GDP of many countries being invested into AI innovation, there is simply too much at stake for the pace to slow. This is the new reality.”

“In my view, three human capabilities will remain irreplaceable, and these are what students should consciously build. First, judgement. Machines work on data, computing power, and models but the ability to make decisions, particularly in an uncertain world, will continue to rest with the human being. Second, adaptability. The travel industry has been an absolute roller coaster, and it has taught us that those who learn to thrive not merely survive in uncertainty are the ones who endure. And third, the ability to work with people. Interpersonal skills, networks, and the capacity to align teams around a shared goal will remain at the heart of every workplace,’’ added Mr. Magow.

The discussion on change continued with the Guest of Honour, Mr. Bikas Kumar Singh, Vice President & India Head, Government Affairs, SAP. “India is at a remarkable cusp. Viksit Bharat by 2047 is not a dream; at the pace at which we are moving, it is an inevitability. And the students sitting in this room are the instruments through which that vision will be realised. Whatever you study at FSM, carry that sense of responsibility with you, and stay aware because the opportunities coming your way will be immense,’’ said Mr. Singh.

“A tall building stands only on strong foundations. The foundations I would urge every student to build are simple but non-negotiable. There is no substitute for discipline and hard work, though I would add that smart work is equally essential. As a student of the Ramakrishna Mission, I have always been guided by Swami Vivekananda’s three essentials, which I believe apply as much to life as to spiritual pursuit: Purity of intent, integrity, and ethics; Patience, because this is a marathon of 35 to 40 years, not a 100-metre sprint; and Perseverance, which encompasses discipline and the willingness to keep going,” added Mr. Singh.

“Adaptability is no longer optional. Look at how once-dominant companies like Xerox and Canon had to reinvent themselves; only the businesses that adapt survive. When you join an organisation tomorrow, you must be the torchbearer of that adaptability, the radar that signals change before it arrives. Alongside the three Ps, I would also leave you with three Es: Ethics, because integrity must remain intact; Empathy, because awareness of the society around you is what shapes a strong leader; give time to an NGO, to a cause, to the world beyond the classroom; and Equity, the commitment to be fair, just, and balanced. And above all, remain a student. The hunger to learn must never leave you.”

“Use these two years to build a solid academic foundation. Stay stable, stay conscious, stay aware, and learn to create opportunities out of pitfalls. That, in essence, is what I wanted to leave behind with you today,” said Mr. Singh.

Addressing the students, Prof. BBL Madhukar, Chairman, FORE School of Management, said, “Every meaningful journey begins with the courage to take the first step. As I look around this auditorium, I do not see just a new batch of students. I see dreams, aspirations, curiosity and the potential to create meaningful change. Institutions are remembered not by the buildings they create, but by the people they shape.”

Prof. Subir Verma, Director, FORE School of Management, said, “FORE School of Management was founded on a simple yet powerful conviction that management education must go far beyond textbooks, classrooms and balance sheets. It must shape individuals who are not only professionally competent but also ethically grounded, globally aware and driven by a strong sense of purpose.”

“With this vision, we have comprehensively redesigned our curriculum to prepare you not merely for your first job but for a lifetime of learning and leadership. The curriculum has been thoughtfully restructured around the competencies that organisations now seek analytical thinking, digital readiness, AI awareness, data literacy, legal understanding, sustainability, strategic decision-making and social-emotional intelligence. These are no longer optional skills; they are essential capabilities for every future leader.”

“At FORE, learning is never confined within the four walls of a classroom. We strongly believe that management education must constantly engage with industry. Every year, more than 250 eminent speakers visit our campus to share their experiences, perspectives and practical insights. Leadership today is global, and therefore management education must also prepare students for global contexts,” added Prof. Verma.

Prof. Sriparna Basu, Dean (Academics), added, “There will be demanding late nights with assignments and exams, moments of doubt during rigorous research, and the constant challenge of balancing work with personal time. But this difficulty is also an invitation to grow. Please lean on your peers, your faculty mentors, and the larger FSM community. You are not walking this path alone. As you embark on this exciting journey, please know that our entire ecosystem is invested in your success. We want you to emerge as successful professionals who lead with conscience and compassion”.

The ceremony closed with a vote of thanks by Prof. Sanghamitra Buddhapriya, Dean & Head, Gurugram Campus. As our students begin this new chapter, I hope they remember the simple lesson of the pencil that true growth comes from embracing guidance, learning from every challenge, staying rooted in values, and leaving a positive mark wherever life takes them. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished guests, faculty, alumni, parents, and everyone who joined us today to make this induction ceremony a memorable beginning for our newest batch”

The induction programme introduced students to the institute’s academic philosophy, values, industry engagement initiatives and student life. With a batch representing multiple disciplines, regions and professional backgrounds, FORE School of Management continues to strengthen its vision of developing responsible leaders equipped to address the opportunities and challenges of a changing business environment.