IIM Rohtak director Prof Sharma receives Exemplary Governance Leadership Award

Prof Dheeraj Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak, has been recognized with the Exemplary Governance Leadership Award by the World Management Congress, highlighting his outstanding contributions to institutional leadership and governance in higher education.

The award was presented at the 46th World Management Congress held at the India International Centre in New Delhi.

The ceremony brought together prominent national and international leaders. HE Mariano Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina; Fr Roby Kannanchira, an inter-religious dialogue expert; and HE Dr Janice Darbari, Honorary Consul General of Montenegro, were among the attendees.

Also present were Dr Markandey Rai, President of the Global Peace Foundation–India; Jesper Moller Sorensen, Denmark’s Ambassador to the United States; and Dr Priya Ranjan Trivedi, Founder Chairman of the Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment and President of the Congress.

Vice-chancellors, directors of leading institutions, senior academicians, policymakers, and thought leaders also attended the event.

The award followed a competitive selection process with over 1,400 nominations from around the world. Only seven individuals were chosen, reflecting the award’s high standards and emphasis on governance excellence.

Prof Sharma was honored for his visionary leadership and for transforming IIM Rohtak into one of India’s most dynamic management institutions.

During his tenure, the institute received international accreditations from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA), strengthening its global credibility.

Significant achievements under his leadership include the successful transition of IIM Rohtak to its permanent campus in 2018, completed under budget, demonstrating efficient project management, financial discipline, and transparent administration.

Academically, he launched India’s first Integrated Programme in Law (IPL) and the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIM Rohtak, expanding access to interdisciplinary education.

Prof Sharma, recognized among the top 2% of global researchers by Stanford University in 2023, has led multiple high-impact projects funded by the Ministries of Home Affairs, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Consumer Affairs, and Commerce, contributing to evidence-based policy and national development.

IIM Rohtak also became the largest IIM by student strength during his tenure and introduced the Executive Postgraduate Program in Sports Management, which was acknowledged by the Prime Minister of India.

While accepting the award, Prof. Sharma emphasized the importance of autonomy, particularly financial independence, in fostering innovation and sustained institutional excellence.

He highlighted that IIMs integrate education with employability, taking responsibility to ensure that students’ skills are recognized and rewarded by the market.

He also highlighted that education extends beyond formal classrooms and degrees, shaped by early experiences, language development, cognitive growth, and trust.

Prof Sharma expressed concern over the lack of regulation in pre-school education and stressed the importance of parental involvement in shaping values, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning.

Concluding his address, he said that leadership in education must focus on developing ethical, value-driven citizens and holistic human development, not just infrastructure.

The award further cements IIM Rohtak’s growing reputation in India and abroad and recognizes Prof Sharma’s commitment to governance, innovation, and building future-ready leaders.