What makes an impact truly lasting? Is it the actions of one, or the collective force of many? At FIIB’s 14th Responsibility Summit, these questions took center stage as thought leaders, industry pioneers, and change-makers came together to explore the power of responsible leadership.
The Theme: Act for Impact
In today’s fast-changing world, leadership isn’t just about business success—it’s about driving meaningful change. “Act for Impact” is more than a call to action; it’s a mindset that challenges leaders to prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical decision-making.
Purpose-driven leaders go beyond self-interest, focusing on long-term solutions that benefit people, the planet, and future generations. They build resilient organizations, foster cultures of diversity and innovation, and empower communities. By embracing this shift, businesses don’t just grow—they become catalysts for systemic change that transforms the world.
A Legacy of Responsible Leadership
Marking 30 years of impact and excellence, FIIB has built a strong ecosystem that nurtures future-ready, responsible managers and conscious choice architects. Rooted in our mission—”to advance the practice of management and develop leader-managers of business and social relevance”—FIIB has always prioritized sustainable business practices, ethical leadership, and societal impact.
The Summit Begins: Voices That Inspire
The 14th Responsibility Summit at FIIB commenced with compelling insights from distinguished leaders, setting the tone for a day of meaningful discourse on leadership with purpose.
Mr. Mehmood Khan, Managing Trustee of the Rasuli Kanwar Khan Trust, opened the dialogue with a powerful statement: “Leadership is about equity, about creating opportunities where they don’t exist, and ensuring that progress is shared by all.” His keynote address underscored the urgency of shifting leadership priorities beyond mere profit and power, advocating instead for a sustainable and inclusive growth mindset.
Adding to the discussion, Prof. Radhika Srivastava, President & CEO of FIIB, reflected on the institute’s longstanding commitment to responsible leadership. “At FIIB, sustainability is not just a vision—it’s ingrained in everything we do. We firmly believe that responsible leadership is the only way forward.” Her remarks reaffirmed FIIB’s mission of nurturing professionals who excel in business while driving societal transformation.
Bringing an academic perspective, Dr. Kokil Jain, Dean – Research & Outreach, FIIB, highlighted the institution’s continuous efforts to integrate sustainability into business education. “The world doesn’t just need successful businesses; it needs responsible businesses. At FIIB, we challenge traditional business education models to ensure our students graduate with the mindset to act for impact.”
With these thought-provoking insights, the summit laid the groundwork for in-depth discussions on how leadership can catalyze systemic change that benefits both people and the planet.
A Commitment to Global Sustainability
FIIB’s responsible management education aligns deeply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
✅ SDG 4 (Quality Education) – Preparing responsible managers through rigorous academic and practical learning.
✅ SDG 5 (Gender Equality) – Championing inclusive education and leadership opportunities.
✅ SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) – Equipping students with skills that drive ethical business growth.
✅ SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) – Encouraging research and partnerships that foster sustainable innovation.
FIIB stands among an elite group of business schools leading the way in sustainability. It is one of only four institutions in India to be featured on the Haub School of Business’s SDG Dashboard, joining 31 global schools committed to tracking progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reinforcing its dedication to responsible business education, FIIB is also a proud signatory of PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), aligning its curriculum and research with ethical and sustainable business practices. This commitment has earned the institute faculty excellence awards from the Economic Times, along with notable recognitions in sustainability.
Adding to this momentum, Mansi Kaushik’s appointment as the PRME Global Leader for Central & South Asia further solidifies FIIB’s position at the forefront of sustainable and responsible management education.
Partnerships that Drive Change
FIIB believes that impact is amplified through collaboration. Some of its key partnerships include:
✔️Responsible Research for Business & Management (RRBM) – Driving rigorous, socially responsible research.
✔️GirlUp (United Nations Foundation initiative) – Empowering young women leaders through the FIIB GirlUp Club.
✔️Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA) – Supporting entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities.
These partnerships are shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable business landscape.
Unveiling the Responsibility Report
A highlight of the summit was the unveiling of FIIB’s Responsibility Report by Prof. Radhika Srivastava, showcasing the institute’s achievements and future vision for sustainability and responsible leadership.
Engaging Discussions: Local Acts to Global Goals
The event’s panel discussion, “From Local Acts to Global Goals: Building a Responsible World,” explored how responsible leadership and innovation can drive global impact. The esteemed panelists included:
✔️Ms. Ranjini Chalam (Indus Towers Limited) – A PR and CSR expert, specializing in strategic communications.
✔️Ms. Muskan Jain (EXL) – A CSR leader, driving purpose-driven initiatives and sustainability leadership.
✔️Dr. Debashis Sanyal (Great Lakes Institute of Management) – A visionary academic leader with decades of experience in shaping management education.
✔️Ms. Anushka Bonia (Johnson Matthey) – A CSR strategist, deeply engaged in social impact, environmental sustainability, and community development.
Moderated by Prof. Radhika Srivastava, the discussion sparked insights on ethical business leadership, sustainability-driven strategies, and the role of businesses in creating a responsible world. As the insightful panel discussions concluded, the summit transitioned into a heartfelt moment of gratitude and recognition.
Dr. A.K. Sinha, our esteemed Director, was invited to the stage to felicitate our distinguished panelists, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the discourse on leadership, sustainability, and impact-driven change. Their expertise and thought-provoking insights left an indelible mark, reinforcing the summit’s core message—leadership with purpose transforms societies.
The event continued with a special tribute to FIIB’s Social Sector Organization (SSO) partners, whose unwavering commitment to community development has been instrumental in shaping the Social Internship Program (SIP). These organizations have provided students with hands-on experiences in addressing real-world social challenges, fostering empathy, accountability, and purpose-driven leadership.
Each organization was recognized for its impactful contributions:
- Friends and Smile for Transformational Contribution to Healthcare Access and Well-being
- Habitat India for Distinguished Contribution to Sustainable Development
- Saijaya Youth Trust for Outstanding Youth Empowerment and Leadership Excellence
- CreativExpression for Exemplary Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness
- Udayan Care for Innovative Vision for Social Change and Empowerment
- V-shesh for Outstanding Leadership in Disability Inclusion and Empowerment
- Scope for Change for Leadership in Advancing Equity, Justice, and Social Advocacy
- Salaam Baalak Trust for Outstanding Achievement in Education and Skill Development
- Eternity Foundation for Exemplary Leadership in Transformative Community Partnerships
- Saukhyam for Excellence in Advancing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
- AICAPD for Leadership in Human Rights Advocacy and Empowerment
- SOS Children’s Village for Distinguished Excellence in Resilience and Disaster Response
- EXL Services for Exceptional Leadership in Social Impact and Community Transformation
- IDEA for Trailblazing Leadership in Disability Inclusion
- Lakshyam NGO for Pioneering Excellence in Community Engagement
- National Trust for the Handicapped for Distinguished Contribution to Community Impact through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As the awards were presented, there was an unmistakable sense of shared purpose and collaboration—a testament to the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.
Honoring FIIB’s Alumni Changemakers
The summit then took a moment to celebrate FIIB’s distinguished alumni, individuals who have not only excelled in their fields but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social responsibility and sustainable leadership. Their achievements stand as a testament to FIIB’s ethos of developing responsible leaders who make a difference.
Among those recognized were:
- Trailukya Dutta (Class of 2005-07), Founding Board Member, Tholua
- Jayata Sharma (Class of 2001-03), ESG Strategy and Value Creation, Ernst & Young
- Sameeksha Nag (Class of 2001-03), Head of Business Engagement, Orange Business
Their inspiring journeys highlighted how purpose-driven leadership creates a ripple effect, influencing industries and communities alike.
A Collective Commitment: The Sustainability Oath
As the summit neared its conclusion, one of FIIB’s most cherished traditions took center stage—the Sustainability Oath-Taking Ceremony. More than just a symbolic gesture, this annual ritual reaffirms our shared responsibility to lead with integrity, ethical decision-making, and sustainability at the core.
Guided by Prof. Snigdha Nagpal, attendees stood together and pledged to act responsibly, uphold sustainable practices, and drive positive change in their personal and professional spheres.
With this powerful commitment, the summit concluded on a note of purpose, inspiration, and a renewed sense of responsibility—a reminder that leadership is not just about success, but about the legacy we leave behind.
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