The IIM Sambalpur celebrated its 7th Foundation Day on Thursday in the blended mode with chief guest Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, guest of honour Chairman, Odisha Skill Development Authority Subroto Bagchi, keynote speaker, Chief Corporate, Affairs Officer, Flipkart Rajneesh Kumar and institute Director Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal. “As students of IIM Sambalpur when you embark on your life’s journey, you will not only become responsible citizens of the country but also leaders of tomorrow,” Pradhan advised the students. Bagchi exuded confidence that the IIM Sambalpur will produce the best minds. Prof Jaiswal spoke about the achievements of the institute, while Rajneesh Kumar underscored the need for business houses to be more responsible and inclusive. The programme witnessed awards and felicitations of key achievers from various fields. Indian field hockey player and member of the Olympic bronze winning Indian hockey team, Amit Rohidas and renowned Sambalpuri singer Padmashree Jitendra Haripal were honoured. The institute also awarded merit scholarships worth Rs 1, 00,000 each to the top seven students of second year based on their academic performance in the first year. The scholarship by the institute was initiated in the academic year of 2019-2020. The ceremony was attended by the students, faculty member, staff of IIM Sambalpur along with members of the media. A cultural programme followed.