JAMMU, Aug 10: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurated the second batch of the Operational Management Programme under the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), Ministry of Defence, at its Jagti Campus. The ten-week programme, being conducted from 10 August to 30 October 2026, is designed to equip Armed Forces personnel with contemporary management skills and industry-oriented knowledge to support their transition into meaningful second careers.The training programme had 45 participants.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Sunil Kant (Retd.), Program Director, Lt. Col. Angad Behl, SM, Joint Director, Resettlement Directorate North, Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy, IIM Jammu, Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Program Director, IIM Jammu, and Dr. Yashoda Devi, Program Director, IIM Jammu, along with the participants of the programme. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the inaugural lamp, felicitation of the dignitaries, and brief introductions by the participating Armed Forces personnel.
Lt. Col. Angad Behl, SM, Joint Director, Resettlement Directorate North, highlighted the experience of the earlier batch and urged participants to make the most of the opportunities provided through the DGR programme. He noted that participants come from diverse backgrounds and encouraged them to continuously enhance their skills to meet the demands of the competitive civilian professional environment. He also suggested including CV development as an important component of the programme.
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Sunil Kant(Retd), Program Director, IIM Jammuurged participants to remain adaptive, flexible and open to opportunities beyond their region or sector. He described the programme as an important stepping stone towards their second careers and emphasised the importance of trust, discipline, teamwork and continuous upskilling in preparing for the changing professional environment.
Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy, IIM Jammu, described the association with the Armed Forces and the DGR initiative as an honour and privilege. Recalling his personal association with the Indian Army, he encouraged participants to embrace the spirit of “unlearning before learning” and assured them of IIM Jammu’s continued support, describing the Institute as their second home.
Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Program Director, IIM Jammu, provided an overview of the ten-week programme, highlighting its multidisciplinary approach and focus on different areas of management. He encouraged participants to actively engage, ask questions and share their experiences, emphasising that the programme would promote two-way and peer-to-peer learning.
The programme is being coordinated by the Executive Education & Consultancy (EE&C), IIM Jammu, and aims to bridge the gap between the valuable experience gained during military service and the skills required in civilian organisations. The programme provides an opportunity for participants to understand contemporary management practices, business environments and professional expectations while drawing upon their own leadership and operational experience.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of IIM Jammu and the Directorate General Resettlement towards supporting Armed Forces personnel as they prepare for the next phase of their professional lives. The discipline, leadership, teamwork, decision-making and operational experience developed during military service provide a strong foundation, which can be further strengthened through management education and industry-oriented learning.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Yashoda Devi, Program Director, IIM Jammu, followed by the National Song and National Anthem and a group photograph of the participants and dignitaries.At IIM Jammu, the Institute takes pride in contributing to the resettlement and professional development of those who have served the nation. The Operational Management Programme is another step towards enabling Armed Forces personnel to carry their experience, leadership and discipline into new professional roles and contribute meaningfully to society in their second careers.