Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: DD, The Indian Institute of Management Jammu, under the visionary leadership of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, organized its flagship Bandhan Cultural Immersion Program across the Jammu region on 25–26 October 2025. As part of this unique initiative designed to foster cultural understanding and strengthen community connection, 81 Dogra families from Jammu hosted IIM Jammu students for a one-day cultural immersion experience over two days.
On Day 2 (26 October 2025), a total of 180 students from the MBA and MBA Healthcare domains visited 35 Dogra families, further deepening cultural learning and emotional connection through immersive interaction with the local community. On Day 1 (25 October 2025), a total of 236 students from the MBA and MBA Healthcare programs visited 46 Dogra families, experiencing firsthand the rich heritage, traditional values, lifestyle, and warm hospitality of Jammu.
Inaugurated on 25th July 2025 by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, the Bandhan Cultural Immersion Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. Designed to transform society into a living classroom, it provides students an opportunity to experience grassroots culture and regional diversity of Jammu. Four students were hosted by each family, offering them a deep cultural learning experience rooted in Dogra hospitality, community bonding, and value-based living.
Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, mentioned that the Bandhan Cultural Immersion Program is not merely an academic activity but a soulful bridge that connects people and cultures, fostering unity through empathy and shared traditions. He reiterated that IIM Jammu represents a Mini India with a Global Vision deeply rooted in Dogra heritage and aligned with the national mission of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He shared that students of IIM Jammu are visiting local households across the Jammu region to experience Dogri culture, values, cuisine, and traditions firsthand, with enthusiastic participation from local families. He remarked that Bandhan is a unique platform where hearts connect, stories are shared, and the spirit of India finds expression in cultural harmony. He emphasized that education must transcend classroom boundaries and that true leadership begins with understanding people, society, and culture. He highlighted that this unique initiative, the first-of-its-kind initiative in India, is designed to nurture socially responsible leaders by promoting cultural immersion, social sensitivity, grassroots exposure, community engagement, emotional development, and value-based learning, thereby contributing to nation-building through cultural unity. He expressed gratitude to the host families of Jammu for their warmth, generosity, and support in strengthening IIM Jammu’s bond with the local community.
As part of this unique initiative, students interacted with a diverse section of society, including Army veterans and gallantry awardees; Local artists and cultural custodians; Entrepreneurs and business owners; Social activists and community leaders; Educationists and sportspersons and Government servants and administrators. Each visit served as a live case study in leadership, resilience, culture, and social engagement. Students learned Dogra folk traditions, family values, and heritage stories while participating in local customs and tasting authentic Dogra cuisine. Notably, one student group had the rare opportunity to attend a traditional Dogra wedding and witness the rituals firsthand.
To ensure smooth execution, every student group was accompanied by a staff member from IIM Jammu, with a strong focus on cultural sensitivity and coordination. Host families appreciated the initiative and expressed pride in sharing the legacy of Dogra heritage with future leaders of the nation. Students reflected that the experience left a lasting emotional and cultural impact, enhancing their empathy, leadership perspective, and understanding of India’s social fabric.
The Bandhan Cultural Immersion Program reflects IIM Jammu’s commitment to holistic and value-
based learning rooted in the ethos of Indian culture and traditions. The initiative serves as a meaningful platform to bridge academia with society, enabling students to develop cultural sensitivity, social awareness, and emotional intelligence. It also reinforces the spirit of national integration by promoting unity through cultural harmony. The program was effectively coordinated by Shri Ankush Varma, Chief Innovation Officer, Srinagar Campus, IIM Jammu.DD
