IIM Jammu hosts PARIPEKSH with AWWA Northern Command, Blending Leadership, Service, and Happiness
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the aegis of Anandam: The Center for Happiness, hosted an enlightening session of PARIPEKSH: An Alternate Perspective in collaboration with the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), Northern Command.
Held at the Mandapam Auditorium, the event featured a keynote address by Shinei Sharma, Regional President, AWWA Northern Command-renowned painter, muralist, sculptor, and entrepreneur. The session was graced by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. Designed to foster holistic development, PARIPEKSH promotes dialogue on leadership, happiness, and service, inspiring students to look beyond material success and adopt a “Nation First” mindset.
Shinei Sharma highlighted AWWA’s 59-year legacy as India’s largest NGO dedicated to empowering army wives and widows. She outlined various AWWA initiatives such as skill centres, Saksharta literacy programs, Sadbhavna hostels, and Project Milap, which connects soldiers’ families with their roots. Drawing from her personal journey of resilience, Sharma shared insights into the life of an army wife-marked by frequent relocations, emotional strength, and finding peace through art and ancient wisdom. Reciting a Sanskrit Shaloka, she emphasized inner strength, unity, and lifelong learning as keys to happiness and leadership. She noted that reading connects one with countless lives, enriching perspective and empathy.
Prof. B.S. Sahay welcomed the AWWA delegation, recalling the leadership of Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, and his contribution to Operation Sindoor.
He praised the courage of army personnel and the fortitude of their families, referring to army wives as the true “Shaktis.” Prof. Sahay stressed the transformative impact of armed forces values-discipline, integrity, and purpose-on civilian life and leadership. He invited AWWA’s support in mentoring students through Anandam to foster emotional well-being and ethical leadership. Brig. Neeraj Soni, Co-Chairperson, Anandam, noted that PARIPEKSH bridges the ethos of the military and academia, combining discipline with intellectual exploration. He highlighted the session’s role in reshaping the students’ understanding of leadership as service-oriented and value-driven. An interactive Q&A session followed, allowing students to engage directly with Sharma and her team. Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal delivered the vote of thanks, reaffirming IIM Jammu’s commitment to leadership development beyond the classroom. The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony and a visit to IIM Jammu’s state-of-the-art Nalanda library and smart classrooms, followed by informal discussions fostering mutual respect and camaraderie.
