9th Annual Convocation Ceremony: Inception of a new journey
That part of the year had come when we had to bid goodbye to the students of Post-Graduate Program in Sports and Wellness Management. This was technically the last time those children had stepped in as students because the next time they visit us they would be proud alumni of India’s only professional Sports Management institute. They are going to mark the beginning of their career in Sports Management and IISM has trained them to become future sports industry professionals.
On July 15th, 2019, Monday, International Institute of Sports Management hosted its 9th Convocation Ceremony. It was graced by the presence of dignitaries, Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni, Founder and Director, IISM, Padma Shri Deepa Malik, Indian Paralympic athlete, Mr. Namdev Shirgaonkar, Joint Secretary, IOA, Mr. Amit Gupte, Chief Operating Officer at IISM and Mr. Amitava Pal, Associate Dean- IISM and Mrs. Shilpa Borkar, Assistant Director at Garware Institute of Career Education and Development and hosted by Mr. Devendra Prabhudesai, Head of Corporate Relations at IISM. The occasion began by playing National Anthem – The Sports Heroes produced by IISM giving everyone a sense of unity, followed by the dignitaries lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Our Founder Director, Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni had a unique advice for the students. He said, “I love Mondays while most people hate it. When you take up a profession that you love, you don’t care if it’s a Monday or Sunday, you are always motivated to work. I wish that you start loving it because that is when you are truly on the right track.” Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni always has something different and meaningful to convey. He congratulated students for graduating and wished the best for them. “The doors at IISM are always open for you and we only want you to prosper more and more.”
Mr. Amit Gupte ran students through the thrills and chills of the industry motivating them to work harder. He just had the right words- “The Sports Management industry is evolving and we’re so proud that you are going to be its future. One day India will become a multi-sporting country in real sense, and you are the ones who will be setting the stage for it. Each student at IISM is prepared to face challenges. All of you are unique, creative and talented people. Remember, that sky’s the limit.”
It is true that students took a bold step and broke the monotony by choosing this field. Mr. Amitava Pal, at first place, lauded parents for letting their children pursue their dream profession. With motivational words, he said that, “If you are a cook, you come up with your own mix. Each cook comes up with his own mix. This means everyone is unique and creative. You must work hard from day one. Hard work, discipline and attitude are the three things that you should always keep in your mind.”
Mr. Namdev Shirgaonkar praised IISM for training future professionals as the sporting industry is flourishing and demanding manpower. He said that, “Some succeed at an early age while some take time. Do not worry about the results, keep on learning, the industry is tremendous. There are great opportunities awaiting you.” Mr. Namdev Shirgaonkar wishes graduating students from IISM to join the sporting federations and associations and take the Indian sporting ecosystem to the next level.
Our guest of honor, Padma Shri Deepa Malik was filled with joy. She shared her journey with everyone and had perfect words to enlighten the students. “Change is permanent! The one who learns quickly, survives. The sporting industry is dynamic, and one must be patriotic and hardworking in order to serve to this field. You may find difficulties on your path but remember that the game belongs to the one who continues to play.” She thanked IISM for preparing mindsets that are more inclusive and determined to uplift the entire sports ecosystem.
After being pumped up with great energy and enthusiasm, it was time for us to cheer for the top three students of Post-graduation batch, first rank- Ms. Upasana Purohit, second rank- Mr. Vikas Shukla, third rank- Sourav Chatterjee.
A teacher enlightens students with knowledge, and we thanked our faculty for their service with a token of appreciation. Towards the end, with huge smiles, we wished students good luck and the best. The ceremony came to an end with a vote of thanks by Mr. Mustafa Sapatwala, Head-Academics at IISM, followed by dinner.
IISM wants its current and graduating students to understand the essence of life, accept challenges, success and failures and consider every opportunity as a steppingstone to success. Cheers to a great future ahead!
