By Chhavi Moodgal, PGP 2004
CEO, IIMA Endowment Fund
At IIM Ahmedabad, leadership is not defined by tenure—it is defined by impact. From boardrooms to research centres, policy circles to entrepreneurial ventures, IIMA alumni are shaping industries, driving innovation, and solving complex global challenges. Across diverse sectors, their influence is not just visible—it is transformative.
The Young Achievers’ Award celebrates those who have left a mark in their respective fields. These individuals are not just professionals; They reflect the institute’s legacy of rigour, resilience, and responsibility.
A Network That Drives Influence Across Domains
The IIMA alumni network is among the most powerful and diverse professional communities in the world. Its impact is seen in numbers that reflect leadership at scale.
Over 10% of India’s BSE 500 companies have IIMA alumni as CEOs or CXOs. More than 300 alumni lead multinational corporations across sectors—finance, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer goods—guiding organizations through economic shifts and global disruptions. IIMA has produced 20+ unicorn founders, building companies that have shaped markets and consumer behaviour. Falguni Nayar (Nykaa) (Batch of 1985), Sanjeev Bikhchandani (InfoEdge/Naukri.com) (Batch of 1989), and Yashish Dahiya (PolicyBazaar) (Batch of 1996) have not just built businesses—they have pioneered industry transformations.
IIMA alumni hold faculty positions at Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and London Business School to name a few. Their contributions shape global research, business education, and management thought leadership, mentoring the next generation of professionals and policymakers. Several IIMA graduates have held key leadership positions with the Government of India, including Arvind Subramanian (Batch of 1981), V. Anantha Nageswaran (Batch of 1985) and Raghuram Rajan (Batch of 1987).
Beyond business, in its impact in sports, media & arts, Harsha Bhogle (Batch of 1985) transformed cricket broadcasting with analytical depth, bringing a new perspective to sports journalism. Mallika Sarabhai (Batch of 1974) has leveraged performing arts as a medium for social change and activism.
The impact of IIMA alumni is not limited by industry—it is defined by vision and leadership.
As an IIMA alum, I have experienced firsthand how the institute instills three defining traits in us: the ability to redefine boundaries – alumni challenge traditional models, creating new solutions in finance, sustainability, technology, and governance; a global perspective – with leadership roles at McKinsey, Google, BlackRock, the World Bank, and international policy bodies, they influence global strategies, not just regional markets; and a culture of contribution – beyond their professional success, they mentor, collaborate, and actively give back—to institutions, industries, and communities.
IIM Ahmedabad’s success stems from strong leadership, academic excellence, and an evolving vision. Under the leadership of Director Prof. Bharat Bhasker and Dean (Alumni & External Relations) Prof. Sunil Maheshwari, the institute continues to drive innovation, global impact, and alumni engagement, reinforcing its position as a top global business school.
Strengthening Bonds Through Giving Back
Success at IIMA is never an individual journey—it is built on a foundation of shared learning, rigorous academic training, and a community that fosters growth. Many alumni recognize this and remain deeply connected to the institute, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same opportunities.
And as we look ahead, the question is: How will you engage, collaborate, and contribute to the future of IIMA? The answer lies in the generations of alumni who continue to shape its legacy, ensuring that the opportunities they once received are passed forward.
The IIMA Endowment Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining this legacy. It provides a structured way for alumni to give back—whether by supporting scholarships for deserving students, funding research initiatives, or creating mentorship platforms. This is not just about financial contributions; it is about passing forward the opportunities, guidance, and support that once shaped their own paths.
As the IIMA Endowment Fund, we work alongside our alumni and well-wishers to shape the future of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. We invite all those who share this vision to join us in strengthening this legacy and building new opportunities for the generations to come.
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IIMA Endowment Fund’s Chhavi Moodgal recognised as Top 50 Visionary CEO in India
We are happy to share that Ms Chhavi Moodgal (PGP 2004), Founding CEO, IIMA Endowment Fund has been recognised as one of the TOP 50 Visionary CEO in India at the National Economic Growth Summit and Awards 2024 in Mumbai on 12th November 2024. The award was presented by Shri S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Panchayati Raj, in the presence of distinguished leaders from government, business, and public policy.
This award is a recognition for the sterling work Ms. Moodgal has done at the IIMA Endowment Fund since it began operations in 2021. As the first of its kind endeavour for a management school in India, the IIMA Endowment Fund has been established to secure the financial future of the Institute and to help establish IIMA as among the premier management schools globally.
Over the past 4 years, the IIMA Endowment Fund has helped raise total philanthropic commitments to IIMA to over INR 535 crores. These funds have been raised to support various initiatives at campus including increasing support for students through scholarships, supporting research by setting up Chair Professorships & Research Centres and also other initiatives like the Biodiversity Study at IIMA Campus, organising leadership training workshops for the visually challenged among many others.
Global endowments have been operational for decades and the IIMA Endowment Fund has been set up to follow in their footsteps. The past 4 years represent a very strong start and we hope that Chhavi and her team will continue to succeed in their mission to help IIMA achieve the next horizon of eminence.
