The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) welcomed 28
participants for the fourth edition of its ‘Leadership and Strategic Thinking’ programme for
visually-challenged people. The three-day immersive programme, scheduled from March 6-8,
2026, was inaugurated today by Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA; Prof. Rajesh Chandwani,
Faculty Chair for the programme; Mr. Bhushan Punani, General Secretary, Blind People’s
Association (BPA) Ahmedabad, and Ms. Kinnari Desai, Deputy Director at BPA.
This specially curated programme, conducted in collaboration with BPA Ahmedabad, strives to
empower participants with a range of skills and knowledge to enable them to take on various
leadership, strategic thinking, and management roles.
The programme has brought together working professionals from across the country and
various fields, including education, government services, Information Technology (IT) services,
and Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI). Over the three days, participants will
partake in specially-curated sessions hosted by IIMA faculty to build leadership strategy and
understand the dynamics and functions of management – self and professional.
The three-day immersive programme includes sessions on Strategic Leadership, AI for
Managerial Decision-making, Macroeconomic Concepts and Indian Economy, Technology for
the Visually Challenged, and so on to provide participants with a holistic outlook of leadership
and management.
Addressing the programme participants, Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, said,
“Within four years, this leadership programme has truly grown. Today, I can confidently say that
we have a truly national population representing several parts of India, all in one room. IIMA
takes immense pride in initiating and conducting this inclusive programme year on year to make
a difference in the lives of people. The ability to lead is inherent amongst all of us, and this
programme serves as an opportunity for everyone to surmount their inner barriers and learn
how to strengthen their leadership capacity, strategic vision, and organisational skills for real-
world scenarios.”
He also added how IIMA faculty members who host the sessions also receive the opportunity to
learn something from the participants, saying, “Our professors gain new perspectives thanks to
the participants, which is extremely important while making decisions at various levels.”
Mr. Bhushan Punani, General Secretary, BPA, highlighted how previous editions of the
programme deeply impacted participants, sharing examples of several visually-challenged
professionals who went on to obtain senior leadership positions in reputed organisations after
attending the immersion course. He said, “For the differently-abled, there are five pillars of
strength and growth: technology, assistive devices, access to higher education, laws protecting
and uplifting the differently-abled, and inclusivity. As India continues making strides across all
these pillars, I would like to recognise the programme at IIMA for serving as a benchmark of
inclusivity. This programme is a bridge between visually-impaired individuals and leadership –
something we are yet to see more of. As participants, everyone can unlock their leadership
potential during these three days.”
Prof. Rajesh Chandwani, Faculty Chair for the programme, shared his observations of the
programme, saying, “Over the years, this programme has received great recognition from
participants, who thoroughly enjoy the sessions and learnings. Simultaneously, the lessons
imparted help them cultivate a strong foundation of self-belief, giving them the confidence to
chase new horizons, apply for senior leadership opportunities, and realise the potential within
them that awaits to be unlocked.”