Published Jun 10, 2025 | 8:42 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 10, 2025 | 8:42 PM
IIM Bangalore
Synopsis: IIM Bangalore earned a Level 5 ‘Pioneering School’ rating in the 2025 Positive Impact Rating, scoring 9.3/10—well above the global average. The Institute also announced its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awardees across diverse sectors. Meanwhile, Major Deeksha from Davangere became the first woman to receive the Balidan Badge, marking a milestone in Indian Army special forces history
IIM Bangalore has been ranked a Level 5 ‘Pioneering School’ in the 2025 Positive Impact Rating (PIR), scoring 9.3 out of 10. This is well above the global average of 7.8. The sixth edition of the rating assessed 86 business schools across 28 countries, highlighting IIMB’s leadership in integrating societal impact into management education. The Institute excelled in key dimensions such as Governance (9.42), Culture (9.32), and Public Engagement (9.29), along with strong performance in Programs, Learning Methods, and Student Support.
Director Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan credited the achievement to IIMB’s sustained efforts in aligning education with sustainable and responsible business practices. “Over the last decade, IIMB has steadily deepened its engagement with the principles of sustainable, responsible business. Our efforts have been deliberate and in close alignment with the Institute’s mission to create value for business, government, and society. It is encouraging to see that these efforts are recognized through consistent leadership across all impact dimensions,” he said.
This year, the PIR included both student and faculty perspectives, offering a holistic view of institutional impact. Governed by a Swiss Association, the PIR is supported by global organizations like WWF and Oxfam and focuses uniquely on societal progress rather than academic performance.
IIM Bangalore has named Sandhya Shekhar (PGP 1984), Prashant Jain (PGP 1991), Mathew Cyriac (PGP 1994), and Vineet Saraiwala (PGP 2015) as recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. The honours will be presented on 15 June during the reorientation for PGP and PGPBA students.
The awardees represent excellence across diverse fields: Sandhya Shekhar is a respected strategy consultant and board director; Prashant Jain is a veteran investor and founder of 3P Investment Managers; Mathew Cyriac is a prominent private equity leader and executive chairman of Florintree Advisors; and Vineet Saraiwala is a social entrepreneur driving disability inclusion through his startup, Atypical Advantage.
Instituted in 2007, the awards recognise alumni for exceptional achievements in their professional domains. The reorientation programme will also include workshops and culminate in a closing ceremony featuring distinguished alumni Ganeshan Ramachandran and Raghu Polisetty from Accenture as chief guests
Major Deeksha C Moodadevanavar of Davangere, Karnataka, has created history by becoming the first woman officer to be awarded the prestigious Balidan Badge. This is an honour reserved only for personnel of the Indian Army’s special forces for exceptional commitment and courage. Her journey began with the NCC in school, eventually leading her to join the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission.
Despite facing physical limitations and being rejected twice, Major Deeksha remained determined and finally joined the elite Parachute Regiment in December 2022. As a regimental medical officer, she excelled in high-risk operations, earning her the rare badge.
She was also part of Operation Dost in Turkey, providing humanitarian aid after a devastating earthquake.
