STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the aegis of Anandam – The Centre for Happiness, in collaboration with GIEO Gita Sansthanam, hosted a spiritually uplifting session titled “Mastering Life and Mind” by the Mahamandleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj at its Jagti Campus. The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.
The session was graced by the presence of eminent dignitaries including Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Jammu North; Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East; Mohan Lal Bhagat, MLA, Akhnoor; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; along with Ajay, Manveer, and Gagan Sharma.
Present on the occasion were Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam; Brigadier Neeraj Soni, Co-Chairperson, Anandam; Dr. Mamta Tripathi, Co-Chairperson, Anandam; Dr. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultant; Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Co-Chairperson, Placements, IIM Jammu; CA Rajat Jain, FA-CAO and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu.
Mahamandleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj shared that the Bhagavad Gita is a universal guide-meant not just for saints, but for every seeker navigating the complexities of life. Reflecting on Arjuna’s inner conflict at Kurukshetra, he described the Gita as the voice of divine consciousness, guiding us toward dharma, inner peace, and self-realization.
He drew a parallel between Arjuna’s inner conflict and the dilemmas of modern life, awakening the audience to the living conscience of the Gita’s teachings as a guide for navigating today’s challenges with clarity and purpose. He urged the youth to rise above ego and material attachments, embrace karma yoga, and live a life rooted in righteousness.
True fulfillment, he said, lies not in pratishtha (recognition), but in prapti (spiritual attainment) and selfless service.
“To master life, one must first master the mind,” he affirmed.
Highlighting initiatives like “Ghar Ghar Gita” and Gita-based curricula with various state governments, Swamiji envisioned bringing the Gita’s light into every home-not as a religious teaching, but as a timeless path to clarity, character, and compassion. He concluded by invoking India’s eternal role as Vishwaguru, calling upon the youth to uphold the nation’s spiritual legacy and serve humanity with wisdom, devotion, and courage.
Prof. Sahay emphasized that the Institute remains deeply committed to its vision of holistic student development, where academic rigor is thoughtfully integrated with inner awakening, emotional well-being, and character building.
He underscored that India’s rich civilizational and cultural heritage positions it to once again emerge as Vishwaguru-a spiritual guide for the world.
Aligning with the visionary aspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat, he reflected that true national progress must be rooted in individual transformation and values-driven education.
Recollecting IIM Jammu’s spiritual journey, he highlighted that Anandam – The Centre for Happiness was inaugurated by the then Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, in the gracious presence of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of the Art of Living Foundation. This, he noted, is a testament to the Institute’s unwavering focus on nurturing value-based leadership, cultural consciousness, and holistic growth.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam – The Centre for Happiness, IIM Jammu. The vote of thanks was delivered by Chetan Wanchoo and event culminated with a prayer.