Mentorship is a concept that has profoundly shaped my professional and personal journey—as a student, an employee, and a leader.
Chhavi Moodgal, PGP 2004
CEO, IIMA Endowment Fund
Caption: Chhavi Moodgal, CEO, IIMA Endowment Fund welcomes the incoming PGP and PGP-FABM cohort during the orientation program
I have seen the power of mentoring among my peers, team members, students, and professionals alike. While many organizations have formalised mentoring mechanisms, in a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem like IIMA, informal mentoring is just as significant.
Informal mentoring often reveals itself in quiet, unexpected moments—conversations that leave a lasting impact, guidance that prompts self-reflection, and stories that encourage growth during moments of stress and confusion.
There have always been pressures and challenges linked to performance and stress in the professional world. With the advent of technology and social media, there are new kinds of challenges where image and perceptions matter immensely; and peer pressure or trolling can take a big toll. There is hence a lot of value to informal networks, friendships, clubs and collaborations which must be additionally enforced institutionally through formalised mentors – who can be faculty or seniors / alumni in the case of academic institutes or role models / leaders in professional organisations.
At IIMA, we benefit from the frequent visits of alumni, faculty, and industry experts who participate in events, conferences, and fireside chats on campus. These dynamic interactions further cultivate an ecosystem of open exchange, where ideas and knowledge flow freely. During my time as a PGP student, I greatly benefited from career mentoring provided by senior alumni and the invaluable advice from faculty like Prof. AK Jain, who inspired me to think critically and dig deeper than I believed possible.
Caption: Fireside Chat with Mr. Alok Agarwal (PGP Batch of 1981), Senior Advisor to the Chairman, Reliance Industries
When Madan Mohanka (PGP 1967), Chairman of Tega Industries, shared his decades of experience during a conversation with students, it wasn’t about entrepreneurship alone. He reflected on the mentorship he received from Prof. VL Mote, who guided him through both the successes and failures of his career. The impact of professors like Prof. Mote cannot be overstated. He wasn’t just teaching from a syllabus; he mentored his students by encouraging them to think critically, question assumptions, and approach problems with both intellectual rigor and a strong sense of moral integrity. His commitment extended beyond the classroom and into his students’ professional lives, the kind of mentorship that stays with you long after the lessons may be forgotten.
Many entrepreneurs credit Prof. Sunil Handa, who has supported countless alumni well beyond their time as students, continuing to guide them through their startup journeys.
As a woman, I have continuously been inspired by female leaders in financial services, such as Falguni Nayar (PGP 1985) and Shikha Sharma (PGP 1980), as well as women in the impact sector like Vidya Shah (PGP 1989). As I have grown, I have found immense fulfillment in giving back to young professionals seeking career advice, internships, or opportunities to learn from us. This cycle of mentorship has shown me how valuable it is to both the mentor and mentee, with the potential to profoundly transform both.
Today, as part of the IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund, I see the full circle of mentorship in action. Alumni who have gained much from the Institute pay it forward by sharing their knowledge and advice—whether through initiatives like WIMWIONEERs (WIMWIAN + PIONEERS – an event organised by the IIMA Endowment Fund for interactions between Alumni and current student; this year was the 2nd such event) and fireside chats or by becoming guest lecturers, conference speakers, or visiting faculty. They aren’t just sharing their expertise; they are offering their time, their stories, and their willingness to guide the next generation. This isn’t about obligation or transaction—it’s about the deep, ongoing connection between IIMA’s past and future. These contributions of time and knowledge are immensely powerful.
The IIMA Endowment Fund is grateful to all members of the IIMA community who contribute to the Institute’s vibrancy and knowledge building. We invite all of you to explore how you can enrich someone’s life through the power of mentoring.
