<div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>It's been a remarkable year at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) under the guidance of Prof. Bharat Bhasker, whose visionary leadership has steered the institution towards new horizons of success. </p><p>Prof. Bharat Bhasker's journey in academia and industry is marked by a trajectory of excellence and innovation. With a Ph.D. and master's degree in computer science from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA, his academic prowess laid the foundation for a distinguished career spanning across renowned institutions and organizations.</p><p>Prior to assuming the role of Director at IIM Ahmedabad, Prof. Bhasker served as a Professor of Information Technology and Systems at IIM Lucknow, where he made significant contributions to research and education in the field of management. He also held the position of Director at IIM Raipur, where his transformative leadership garnered accolades and recognition for driving exponential growth and fostering a culture of excellence.</p><p>Beyond academia, Prof. Bhasker's industry experience includes senior positions at organizations such as Connectix Corp., SYBASE Inc., and Tata Steel Ltd., where he honed his expertise in information technology and strategic management. His rich and diverse professional background brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to his role as Director of IIM Ahmedabad.</p><p>Under Prof. Bhasker's visionary leadership, IIMA has embarked on several pioneering initiatives aimed at driving societal impact and fostering excellence in management education. The Leadership in Panchayats for Strategic Rural Transformation (LEAP-START) programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, is a testament to his commitment to driving rural development and empowering grassroots leaders.</p><p>Additionally, strategic partnerships with institutions like the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) and Singapore Management University (SMU) have opened new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The Sardar Patel Good Governance CM Fellowship Programme, facilitated by IIMA, aims to enhance governance practices and service delivery through rigorous training and mentorship.</p><p>As we reflect on Prof. Bharat Bhasker's first year at IIM Ahmedabad, we celebrate not only his professional achievements but also his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact. His visionary leadership has inspired countless individuals and transformed the landscape of management education in India and beyond.</p><span></div>