In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering India’s military veterans, the Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu) has officially launched the first batch of its prestigious Operational Management Programme in association with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR). The inaugural ceremony, held on April 9, 2026, marks a historic step towards bridging the gap between military excellence and modern management — giving 31 brave Armed Forces personnel the tools they need to build powerful second careers in the civilian world.
The programme, which runs from April 6 to June 22, 2026, was inaugurated in a ceremony steeped in tradition. Brigadier Chamoli graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, underscoring the deep importance that the Indian Army places on the resettlement and rehabilitation of its veterans.
The ceremony was attended by senior military and academic dignitaries including:
🎖️ Col. Pardeep Singh Karki — Director, Resettlement Directorate North
🎖️ Lt. Col. Angad Singh Behl, SM — Joint Director, Resettlement Directorate North
🎓 Prof. Jabir Ali — Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu (who presided over the ceremony)
🎓 Prof. Prashant Mishra — Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy, IIM Jammu
🎓 Dr. Kapil Gumte — Program Director, IIM Jammu
🎖️ Brigadier Neeraj Soni — Program Director (Military Side)
The ceremony began with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony — a symbol of knowledge and new beginnings — followed by a felicitation of all dignitaries present. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, filling the hall with a sense of pride and purpose.
The Operational Management Programme is a carefully designed 2.5-month intensive course, featuring over 150 hours of face-to-face classroom sessions. It has been developed specifically for Army and Air Force personnel who are preparing to transition from their distinguished military careers into civilian professional roles.
The curriculum is built around three powerful pillars:
✅ ENTREPRENEURSHIP — Teaching veterans how to build and run their own businesses, leveraging the discipline and leadership skills forged in service.
✅ TECHNOLOGY ORIENTATION — Equipping participants with modern digital and technological skills that are essential in today’s fast-changing business world.
✅ JOB READINESS — Preparing participants for the corporate job market through resume building, interview preparation, workplace communication, and industry exposure.
A total of 31 Armed Forces officials — from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force — from across India have enrolled in the inaugural batch. These are men who have dedicated years of their lives to defending the nation, and are now preparing to write the next exciting chapter of their careers in the civilian sector.
India’s Armed Forces retire thousands of highly trained, disciplined, and experienced officers every year. Yet the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging without the right training and support. The DGR — Directorate General Resettlement — exists precisely to address this gap, and its partnership with IIM Jammu brings world-class management education to the doorstep of our veterans.
Speaking at the occasion, the leadership of IIM Jammu expressed deep pride in this initiative. “At IIM Jammu, we take immense pride in serving those who have selflessly served the nation. This initiative embodies our unwavering commitment to the spirit of ‘Nation First,’ as we continue to contribute to nation-building by empowering the true heroes of our country,” said a senior official.
The programme is coordinated by IIM Jammu’s Executive Education & Consultancy (EE&C) division — the same unit that manages all of the institution’s professional development and industry partnership programmes.
This programme is not just a course — it is a statement of national purpose. By combining the leadership experience of defence veterans with the management knowledge of India’s premier business school, the programme creates a unique synergy: officers who understand both the battlefield and the boardroom.
IIM Jammu believes this initiative will create a new generation of leaders — individuals who bring unmatched integrity, discipline, strategic thinking, and commitment to whatever industry or enterprise they join.
KEY PROGRAMME DETAILS AT A GLANCE:
📌 Programme Name: Operational Management Programme (Batch I)
📌 Conducted By: IIM Jammu — Executive Education & Consultancy (EE&C)
📌 In Association With: Directorate General Resettlement (DGR)
📌 Inaugural Date: April 9, 2026
📌 Programme Duration: April 6 – June 22, 2026 (2.5 Months)
📌 Total Hours: 150+ hours of face-to-face sessions
📌 Participants: 31 Army & Air Force personnel from across India
📌 Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Technology, Job Readiness
📌 Goal: Seamless transition from military to civilian careers
India’s soldiers give everything to protect the nation. It is only fitting that the nation — through institutions like IIM Jammu and DGR — gives something back. The launch of this Operational Management Programme is a proud moment for Indian education, Indian defence, and for the 31 officers who are now embarking on an equally important mission — building a new life, and a stronger India.
