People must remain at the heart of leadership, says BCG India chairman

Indore: "At the heart of all systems, strategies and technologies are people and it is essential to recognise humans as sentient beings," said Janmejaya Sinha, Chairman of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) India, at the 27th annual convocation of Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM-I).Addressing the graduating batch, Sinha spoke about a leadership approach that goes beyond numbers and strategies. "Leaders today must learn to listen, observe and understand people before making decisions. Together, these principles encourage leaders to engage more meaningfully with individuals and contexts, strengthening trust, understanding and collaboration," he said.Sinha highlighted curiosity, empathy and continuous learning as key qualities for effective leadership, adding that the ability to connect with people often defines impactful leaders."Curiosity, empathy and continuous learning are essential to build stronger teams and meaningful organisations," he said. A total of 798 students from seven flagship programmes were awarded degrees at the ceremony.Chairman of the board of governors M M Murugappan said, "Longevity alone is not the hallmark of a great institution. Its ability to remain relevant in a constantly evolving world is what truly matters. While complicated problems may have clear solutions, complex problems demand thoughtful and adaptive responses. The defining capability of this generation will not merely be problem-solving, but the ability to navigate ambiguity with clarity and resilience." He urged graduates saying, "Carry forward fearlessness, generosity, wisdom and drive as you step into greater responsibilities."IIM-I director Himanshu Rai spoke about three anchors that can guide graduates in their journey ahead. "Having a clear sense of purpose helps individuals stay grounded, especially when choices become difficult. He stressed that integrity and credibility define leadership in the long run, particularly during challenging situations. Measure success not only by personal achievements but by the positive impact they create for society through compassionate and responsible leadership," he said.He also shared that the institute is focusing on expanding global collaborations, strengthening research and introducing programmes that align with emerging industry needs.Gold medallists were felicitated for their academic performance as the ceremony marked an important milestone for students stepping into the next phase of their professional lives.