Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day on 27 July 2026, marking more than four decades of excellence in management education, leadership development and public policy. The celebration brought together distinguished guests, faculty members, staff, students and members of the campus community to honour the institute’s legacy and discuss its vision for the future.
This year’s Foundation Day was particularly significant because it placed artificial intelligence, digital transformation and future-ready education at the centre of the conversation. As emerging technologies continue to transform businesses, public services and employment, the event highlighted the responsibility of educational institutions to prepare students for a rapidly changing professional environment.
AI Takes Centre Stage at IIM Lucknow’s Foundation Day
The annual Foundation Day Lecture was one of the major highlights of the celebration. Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, attended the event as the chief guest and delivered an address focused on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
During his speech, Shri Awasthi explained how AI is reshaping sectors by enabling data-driven decision-making, improving service delivery and supporting innovation. His address reflected the growing importance of artificial intelligence not only in technology-based industries but also in management, governance, education and public policy.
He encouraged academic institutions, government bodies and industry leaders to work together to strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem. This collaboration could include promoting AI-focused research, establishing dedicated AI centres, supporting indigenous AI capabilities and developing professionals who can use emerging technologies responsibly.
The message was highly relevant for management students. Future business leaders will be expected to understand how AI affects customer behaviour, business strategy, operations, finance, human resources and organisational decision-making. Digital literacy and AI awareness are therefore becoming essential leadership skills rather than optional technical abilities.
Building Future-Ready Management Professionals
The growing adoption of automation and artificial intelligence is changing the way organisations function. Companies increasingly rely on data analytics, machine learning and digital platforms to improve productivity and respond to market changes.
Management institutions must consequently update their teaching, research and industry engagement models. Students need exposure to both the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies. They must understand how to use AI tools while also considering issues such as ethics, data privacy, transparency and responsible decision-making.
IIM Lucknow’s focus on AI and digital transformation demonstrates its intention to prepare students for this evolving environment. By encouraging greater collaboration between academia, industry and government, the institute can contribute to the development of professionals who combine managerial expertise with technological awareness.
Such professionals will be better positioned to lead businesses, public institutions and social organisations in an increasingly digital economy.
Celebrating a Strong Legacy of Leadership
While the event looked towards the future, it also celebrated IIM Lucknow’s long-standing contribution to management education.
Speaking during the programme, Prof. Sushil Kumar, Director in-charge of IIM Lucknow, highlighted the institute’s strong academic legacy. He spoke about the leaders produced by the institution and their contributions to businesses, public institutions and policy-making in India and other parts of the world.
Over the years, IIM Lucknow has developed a reputation for academic excellence, leadership development and socially relevant research. Its alumni have taken up influential roles across corporate organisations, entrepreneurial ventures, government bodies and public institutions.
Prof. Kumar also emphasised the pride the institute takes in its alumni community. Their achievements reflect the quality of education and leadership training offered at IIM Lucknow.
Foundation Day provided an opportunity for the institute to reaffirm its commitment to excellence, integrity and public purpose. It also reinforced the idea that the success of an educational institution should be measured not only by academic results but also by its contribution to society.
Recognising Long-Serving Members of the Institute
The 42nd Foundation Day celebration included special recognition for members who had completed significant periods of service at IIM Lucknow.
Mementoes were presented to Prof. Pankaj Kumar and Ms. Sangeeta, who each completed 25 years at the institute. The recognition acknowledged their dedication and contributions to the institution’s growth.
Honouring long-serving employees is an important part of building a strong institutional culture. Faculty members and staff play a central role in maintaining academic standards, supporting students and ensuring that an institution operates effectively.
By recognising their service, IIM Lucknow demonstrated its appreciation for the individuals who have contributed to its journey over the past four decades.
Encouraging Academic Excellence Among Employees’ Children
The institute also recognised the academic achievements of employees’ children. Cash awards were presented to 15 meritorious young achievers for their performance in academics.
This initiative reflected the inclusive and community-oriented character of the celebration. It showed that the institute values excellence not only among its students and faculty members but also within the larger campus community.
Recognising young achievers can motivate them to continue pursuing their academic goals. It also creates a culture in which education and achievement are celebrated collectively.
Sports and Cultural Activities Strengthen Community Spirit
The Foundation Day celebrations extended beyond formal speeches and academic discussions. Several sports and cultural activities were organised to encourage participation and strengthen relationships within the campus community.
Sports competitions were held from 11 to 18 July 2026. Winners were recognised during a prize distribution ceremony organised on 24 July.
The competitions encouraged teamwork, discipline and healthy participation among members of the institute. Sports activities also provided an opportunity for students, faculty members and staff to engage outside their regular academic and professional responsibilities.
A cultural programme was another important part of the celebrations. It featured performances by campus children, Post Graduate Programme students and students from Bhatkhande University.
The programme showcased creativity and provided participants with a platform to share their talents. The involvement of different groups also reflected the inclusive nature of the event.
These activities demonstrated that educational institutions are not defined solely by classrooms, examinations and academic achievements. A vibrant campus also requires opportunities for sports, creativity, cultural expression and community engagement.
Why IIM Lucknow’s 42nd Foundation Day Matters
The celebration took place at a time when management education is undergoing a major transformation. Artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms are changing job roles and redefining the skills expected from future managers.
Business schools must therefore find ways to combine their established academic strengths with new technological capabilities. They must prepare students to manage digital transformation, interpret data and make responsible decisions in technology-driven environments.
IIM Lucknow’s Foundation Day successfully combined respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision. The institute honoured its legacy, recognised the contribution of its employees, celebrated academic achievement and placed AI at the centre of its future strategy.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration. Educational institutions cannot build future-ready talent independently. Stronger partnerships between academia, government and industry will be required to support innovation, research and the responsible adoption of AI.
The institute’s challenge will be to preserve the values that have defined its four-decade journey while responding to technological and economic changes. Its emphasis on excellence, inclusion, service and innovation provides a strong foundation for this transition.
By celebrating long-serving employees, encouraging young achievers, promoting cultural participation and discussing the future of artificial intelligence, IIM Lucknow reaffirmed its commitment to developing capable and responsible leaders.
The 42nd Foundation Day was therefore more than an anniversary celebration. It was a reflection of the institute’s journey and a statement of intent for the future—one in which management education, human leadership and artificial intelligence work together to create meaningful economic and social impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did IIM Lucknow celebrate its 42nd Foundation Day?
IIM Lucknow celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day on 27 July 2026. The event marked more than four decades of contribution to management education, leadership development and public policy.
2. Who was the chief guest at IIM Lucknow’s 42nd Foundation Day?
Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, attended the celebration as the chief guest and delivered the annual Foundation Day Lecture.
3. What was the main theme of the Foundation Day address?
The address focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and future-ready education. It highlighted the importance of developing AI research, digital skills, indigenous capabilities and industry-academia collaboration.
4. Who received long-service recognition during the event?
Prof. Pankaj Kumar and Ms. Sangeeta received mementoes after completing 25 years of service at IIM Lucknow.
5. What activities were organised for the Foundation Day celebrations?
The celebrations included sports competitions, a prize distribution ceremony, long-service recognition, cash awards for meritorious children of employees and a cultural programme featuring campus children, PGP students and students from Bhatkhande University.
