MET Institute of Management conducted Aarohan – Launchpad 2026 to warmly welcome the new MMS 2026–28 batch and mark the exciting beginning of their management journey. The ceremony commenced with the auspicious Lighting of the Lamp, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and new possibilities.

Dr. Nilesh Gokhale, Director I/C, MET IOM, welcomed and felicitated the Chief Guest, Mr. Anoop Chaturvedi, Director – BFSI Business, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Guests of Honour, Dr. Tirthankar Patnaik, Chief Economist, National Stock Exchange of India, and Mr. Aditya Meshram, Regional CEO, Xanadu. Dr. Gokhale highlighted OJT-based learning, the Adhyapan initiative and the diverse opportunities at MET, setting an inspiring foundation for the journey ahead.

Bringing the spirit of the institution and the possibilities ahead into focus, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon. Trustee, MET, welcomed the new batch and spoke about MET’s rich legacy, its wide spectrum of opportunities and the importance of dedication during the formative years of management education.

Mr. Anoop Chaturvedi urged students to move beyond conventional learning, develop future-ready skills, embrace technology and AI responsibly, build meaningful connections and remain inquisitive.

Dr. Tirthankar Patnaik expanded their perspective to the world of business and markets, sharing insights into India’s economic growth, geopolitics, macroeconomics and the external forces influencing the Indian economy.

Carrying the message of personal growth forward, Mr. Aditya Meshram encouraged students to discover their passions, embrace risks with conviction, learn from failures and remain open to new milestones while making time for life beyond their careers.

The inspiring session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Dharmishta Gala, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty and students, bringing a memorable inaugural session to a meaningful close and setting the stage for an exciting two-year journey at MET IOM.

MET Institute of Management proudly presented the ‘Pratibha Scholarship’, instituted by Mr. Ravi Kumar and Dr. Rashmi Bhadani in honour of their late parents, Mrs. Pratibha Devi and Mr. Bijoy Kumar. The scholarship recognises outstanding academic performance among female students, with Ms. Shraddha Kale, Ms. Srushti Salunke, and Ms. Jhanvi Vadadoriya being recognised for their exceptional academic achievements.

Aarohan - Launchpad programme then moved into Guru Parichay, where faculty members took the stage to introduce themselves and share their experiences, insights and words of wisdom with the newly inducted students. Dr. Nilesh Gokhale, Director I/C, MET IOM, added interesting notes and anecdotes while introducing each faculty and non-teaching staff member, giving students a glimpse into the mentors and team who will be an integral part of their journey.

The session concluded with an engaging self-reflection activity, where students documented their preferences and created self-portraits reflecting how they perceive themselves. The activity encouraged introspection, self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their own identity as they began their journey at MET IOM.

On the day 2, Dr. Nilesh Gokhale, Professor & Director (I/C), MET IOM, opened the day with insights on the attention economy, AI and changing consumer behaviour, drawing from campaigns such as Vodafone Zoozoo and Flipkart Minutes, along with frameworks like BANI and the Eisenhower Matrix.

Ms. Grishma Nair, YouTube Product Specialist & Retail Lead, Google, explored campus priorities, case study competitions and career trajectories through contemporary branding examples.

Dr. Biren Parekh, Director, CRISIL, followed with insights on brand ROI, skill development and navigating change through VUCA, BANI and NAVI.

Mr. Ashwin Rane, Registrar, MET introduced students to MET’s administrative processes, departments and achievements, followed by an interactive student session.

The post-lunch session brought renewed energy with Dr. Priya Menon Nair, Director, MET Institute of Mass Media, conducting the Passport Activity, where students participated in engaging group activities promoting collaboration, participation and teamwork.

On the day 3, MET Institute of Management continued Aarohan 2026 with a day of academic insights, industry perspectives, and meaningful interactions.

Dr. Farida Virani, Professor, MET IOM, introduced students to the academic experience, followed by Dr. Nitin Kulkarni, Associate Professor, MET IOM, who shared valuable perspectives on academics and higher education. Dr. Nilesh Gokhale, Director (I/C), MET IOM, also addressed students and alumni, offering valuable guidance for the journey ahead.

The industry sessions featured Mr. Niket Kumar Phuria, Digital & AI Transformation Advisor, Kaivalya Digitals, who explored AI-led digital transformation and the future of work. This was followed by Mr. Uday Mundhe, Supply Chain and Manufacturing Lead, Birla Cosmetics, who shared insights on developing an intrapreneurial mindset and fostering innovation.

The Alumni Round Table 2026, led by Dr. Kulkarni, brought together alumni and students for an engaging discussion and interactive Ask Me Anything (AMA) session.

The afternoon featured MET Blenders, followed by presentations on Foundation Lectures, Smart India Hackathon 2026, IIT Guwahati Winners, and the Best Three Summer Internship 2026.

A special thank you to the Aarohan Core Team of MET Academicians – Ms. Dharmishta Gala, Mr. Harshad Savant, and Ms. Gauri Sane for their dedication, coordination, and contribution towards making Aarohan 2026 a meaningful experience for the students.

The day concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks by Mr. Harshad Savant, marking the successful completion of Day 3 of Aarohan 2026 as the journey continues with more engaging sessions and experiences ahead.

Tags: MET Institute of Management