By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, on Thursday hosted an impactful session of its flagship Veteran Leadership Series, themed ‘Leadership Lessons: From Battlefield to Boardroom’, to highlight the enduring relevance of military leadership in today’s complex business environment.
According to a statement here, the programme was attended by NEEPCO Director (Personnel) Major General (Retd.) Rajesh Kumar Jha as the chief guest.
“With over 38 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army, including key roles in Doklam, Kargil, Tawang, Sikkim, J&K and Ladakh, General Jha brought a rare blend of military and corporate leadership insights to the fore,” the statement said.
Addressing a packed auditorium of students, faculty and guests, Major General Jha shared personal accounts and leadership lessons centred on mission focus, ethical decision-making, accountability and adaptability.
“In the Army, we don’t lead from behind; we lead from the front,” he said, encouraging young leaders to act with courage and integrity, especially in times of uncertainty.
He reflected on Operation SINDOOR as a blueprint for strategic clarity, technological preparedness, ethical restraint and resilient execution, illustrating how high-stakes operational readiness aligns with corporate decision-making and long-term vision.
General Jha also spoke about his ongoing efforts at NEEPCO, where he has led reforms in HR, recruitment, industrial relations, training and CSR with a focus on gender inclusivity, sports revival and sustainability.
“He is currently spearheading green energy collaborations with the Indian Army under the NTPC Group, reinforcing the link between national service and sustainable development,” the statement said.
Earlier, Professor Nalini Prava Tripathy, Director-in-Charge, emphasised the value of learning from diverse leadership experiences, noting that future leaders must demonstrate resilience, moral courage and vision—qualities often honed in the armed forces.
Others who were part of the programme include Ramesh Kumar Jha, Retired IRSE Officer; Elbin D. Doley, General Manager (HR), NEEPCO; Ajay Kumar, Deputy General Manager (Industrial Relations), NEEPCO; and Anupam Buragohain, Manager (HR), D-P Secretariat.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by student coordinators, followed by an engaging Q&A session on transformational leadership, conflict resolution and nation-building.
“The Veteran Leadership Series continues to be a powerful platform at IIM Shillong, bridging the gap between military discipline and modern management. It enables students to learn from strategic sensemaking, team cohesion, and values-led leadership under adversity,” the statement said.
