JAMMU, Jul 13: Recognizing a pioneering initiative that has reimagined management education through the integration of arts and culture, Natrang, the premier cultural institution of Jammu & Kashmir, honoured Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, at the historic Abhinav Theatre here today.
The honour was conferred by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur during the presentation of Natrang’s Children Theatre Extravaganza–2026, in the presence of eminent artists, academicians, students and theatre lovers.
Prof. B.S. Sahay has earned widespread appreciation for introducing performing and visual arts as an integral component of management education at IIM Jammu. His visionary initiative is founded on the belief that arts are not merely mediums of cultural expression but powerful catalysts for nurturing creativity, emotional intelligence, empathy, innovation, communication, leadership and ethical decision-making qualities that distinguish exceptional managers and enlightened leaders.
Congratulating Prof. Sahay, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur described his initiative as a path-breaking intervention in contemporary management education.
He observed that while business schools have traditionally focused on analytical thinking and technical competence, the challenges of the twenty-first century demand leaders who are equally imaginative, emotionally intelligent, culturally sensitive and socially responsible.
According to him, theatre, music, dance and the visual arts provide transformative learning experiences that foster self-awareness, collaborative spirit, resilience, adaptability and the ability to appreciate diverse perspectives.
He further remarked that performing arts cultivate confidence, sharpen communication skills, strengthen observation and listening abilities, enhance problem solving and encourage innovation by allowing students to engage with complex human emotions and real-life situations. Such exposure prepares future managers not only to lead successful organizations but also to build compassionate workplaces and contribute meaningfully to society. Integrating arts into management education, he said, represents a progressive educational philosophy that balances intellectual excellence with emotional and cultural development.
Under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Sahay, IIM Jammu has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most progressive and fastest-growing management institutions.
The institute has distinguished itself through academic excellence, innovative pedagogy, strong industry partnerships, entrepreneurship promotion, sustainability initiatives and a vibrant ecosystem that encourages holistic personality development through sports, culture, community engagement and the arts. His visionary leadership has positioned IIM Jammu as a centre of excellence committed to nurturing globally competent, socially conscious and ethically grounded business leaders.
An eminent academician, institution builder and management thinker, Prof. B.S. Sahay has made distinguished contributions to higher education over a career spanning more than three decades. Prior to assuming the Directorship of IIM Jammu, he served in several prestigious academic leadership positions and earned national recognition for his contributions to management education, institutional development, strategic leadership and research.
A prolific scholar, he has authored numerous research publications, guided doctoral scholars, contributed to policy discourse and consistently advocated innovation, interdisciplinary learning and excellence in higher education. His educational philosophy emphasizes the harmonious integration of intellectual rigour, creativity, inclusivity and societal relevance.
Presenting the honour, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur said that Prof. Sahay’s visionary decision to bring performing and visual arts into the mainstream of management education deserves national recognition. He expressed hope that this pioneering model would inspire other institutions of higher learning to embrace the transformative power of the arts in shaping future leaders who are not only professionally accomplished but also emotionally resilient, culturally enriched and deeply committed to the larger good of society.
The ceremony concluded with a warm standing ovation from the audience, symbolizing collective appreciation for Prof. Sahay’s remarkable contribution to creating an educational ecosystem where management, creativity and culture converge to shape visionary leaders for a rapidly changing world.