The IIM Alumni Association Ahmedabad Chapter (IIMAAAAC) hosted a captivating Study Circle event on December 6, 2024, at the KLMDC Auditorium. The event featured Mr. Debashish Nayak, a renowned thought leader on heritage cities and former director of the Centre of Heritage Management at Ahmedabad University. The topic of the event was “Ahmedabad: A Journey Towards Becoming the First UNESCO World Heritage City of India.”
Mr. Nayak began by highlighting the rich historical and architectural heritage of Ahmedabad, emphasizing its significance as a cultural and historical landmark. He discussed the journey of Ahmedabad towards becoming India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, which was officially inscribed in July 2017. The presentation covered the extensive sultanate architectural legacy, including the Bhadra citadel, numerous mosques and tombs, and significant Hindu and Jain temples. Mr. Nayak elaborated on the unique urban structure of Ahmedabad, with tightly clustered traditional homes (pols) in gated traditional streets (puras). He stressed the importance of community involvement in preserving and restoring the city’s heritage, highlighting grassroots leadership as a key factor. His presentation also touched upon the potential economic benefits of heritage tourism and the role of heritage conservation in boosting the local economy.
The IIMAAAAC Study Circle event was a successful and enlightening session, providing valuable insights into the journey of Ahmedabad towards becoming a UNESCO World Heritage City. Mr. Debashish Nayak’s expertise and engaging presentation left a lasting impression on the audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage.
2) Case Study Discussion on “Pramukhswami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav”
The study circle event at IIM Ahmedabad featured a discussion on the case study titled “Pramukhswami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav: Design of a Mega Project”. The case study, written by Prof. Saral Mukherjee, Prof. Vishal Gupta, and Prof. Chetan Soman, delves into the meticulous planning and execution of the Pramukhswami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav, a centennial celebration held in December 2022-January 2023.
Prof. Saral Mukherjee led the discussion and emphasized the leadership principles and service orientation that were integral to the event’s success highlighting the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar.
The event, held at the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, attracted over 1.2 crore visitors over a month. The case study highlighted the exceptional people management, service orientation, and leadership principles that made the event successful. The case study emphasized the innovative approaches in infrastructure development, logistics, and sustainability. It also highlighted the use of technology and the crucial role it plays in managing such a large-scale project.
The discussion provided valuable insights into project management and leadership in a large-scale project, offering lessons that can be applied to various fields. The event was well-received by the attendees, who appreciated the depth of analysis and practical applications presented by the case study.
