IIM Sirmaur launches a course that helps students manage work and life

This year IIM Sirmaur launched a new course, “Managing Life and Business: Perspectives of a C.F.O.”. In the current academic year, sixty-three students of IIM Sirmaur elected to attend the course. The course was offered by Prof. P. Sanjay, a faculty at IIM Sirmaur. Along with the course objective of providing a global outlook on corporate governance systems, the course aimed to sensitize the students to lead a happier and stress-free life which helps in terms of improved decision making. The course weaves lessons from ancient practices (Yoga, Meditation, and Sudarshan Kriya) and texts (Rigveda, Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutra, and Kautilya’s Arthshastra) for modern-day managers and entrepreneurs. For example, Chanakya’s Arthashastra helped cover questions on governance, and practices like Sudarshan Kriya helped physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing; both of which were relevant for modern day managers at workplace. 

The course was therefore aimed to imbibe life skills that a modern manager needs in their workplace. The course faculty shared that even during his earlier work experience, he has been practicing several techniques that he taught in class. Further, he said that the course aimed to offer students a well-rounded education, combining the best global management practices with the wisdom and values deeply rooted in Indian culture. The course contributes to IIM Sirmaur’s continued commitment to cultivating holistic leaders for the future of our nation.

At the end of the course, several students reported an improvement in mental and emotional wellbeing, improving their focus, clarity, and ability to manage stress effectively. While some students found tranquility amidst the fast-paced M.B.A. coursework, some felt it impacted their clarity of thought and decision-making abilities. At the same time, some also hoped to integrate the teachings from the course into their life and carry the learnings throughout their life. Prof. P. Sanjay along with Prof. Sana Maidullah are already researching the benefits of the practices and techniques taught in class.