Online Communication Now Mainstream Post-COVID

Swift Summary

• Leadership Tenure: Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, reflects on his tenure as he approaches the end of it on July 19, 2025. He took charge during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
• Achievements During COVID: Under his leadership, IIMB ensured uninterrupted academic programmes despite restrictions; all students graduated on time and were successfully placed.
• Key Programmes Introduced:

– AI for Managers initiative.
– Online BBA program launched to provide accessible education with scholarships for disadvantaged sections and students with disabilities.

• Inclusivity Efforts:

– Long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion; IIMB is a leader in supporting students with disabilities in India.
– Generous scholarships offered as part of the online BBA programme to increase accessibility.

• Institutional Milestones: Celebrated golden jubilee in 2023,fostering alumni engagement globally.
• COVID Impact Observations: Shift towards work-from-home during COVID met initial acceptance but has waned due to companies preferring collaboration in offices. Online communication gained wider acceptance post-pandemic.
• Future Vision for IIMB:

– Expansion of quality undergraduate programmes like BBA within the next decade.
– increased focus on international visibility/branding and technological integration into teaching.

Indian Opinion Analysis

rishikesha T. Krishnan’s tenure at IIM Bangalore highlights adaptability during crises while pushing innovative educational reforms. The launch of online learning initiatives such as the BBA programme exemplifies how premier institutions are broadening access to high-quality education across diverse socio-economic backgrounds, balancing inclusivity with excellence.

By maintaining operational continuity during unpredictable circumstances like COVID-19, institutions such as IIM Bangalore demonstrate their capacity for resilience-a trait increasingly essential amid global disruptions. The emphasis on integrating technology into pedagogy underscores an understanding that future education delivery must innovate beyond traditional frameworks.

Looking forward,challenges remain around establishing robust undergraduate offerings aligned with global standards and further strengthening India’s prominence internationally within academia through branding efforts-a vital endeavor given growing competition among elite institutes worldwide.

For more details about Rishikesha T. Krishnan’s vision for IIMB’s growth post-tenure: Read more