Last Updated on August 8, 2025
MBAUniverse.com News Desk
“The real world is not just a case study but built on conviction, resilience, and the courage to chart unknown paths”, said Gautam Adani, Founder and Chairperson of the Adani Group, during a keynote address at IIM Lucknow on August 7, 2025. Citing transformational projects such as Mundra, Dharavi, and the coalfields of Australia, he emphasized how the success of these mega ventures stem from a refusal to accept the world as it is, and a willingness to imagine what it can become.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow hosted Mr Gautam Adani, Founder and Chairperson of Adani Group for an inspiring keynote session on campus on August 7, 2025. Sharing his experiences with Students and Faculty, Mr Adani said, “My journey and experience have taught me that the real world is not a case study, it is built on conviction, resilience, and the courage to chart unknown paths.” He further added, “Every project we undertook, from the marshes of Mundra to the contested coalfields of Australia, or from the salt deserts of Khavda to the dense lanes of Dharavi, was never just about business. All these projects were acts of imagination, resilience, the refusal to accept the world as it is and daring to shape it as it could be.”
Mr Adani further stressed the need to step beyond conventional boundaries. “In today’s world of Artificial Intelligence and algorithms, true leadership lies in the courage to create the future.”
Stressing on the need to take up new challenges, Mr Adani said, “The frameworks you study here will give you tools, but it is your conviction, character, and willingness to step into the unknown that will define your legacy. Go where the problems are complex, and where others hesitate. That is where your efforts can spark real change. True purpose is not found in ease, but in impact.”
The event marked a major milestone in IIM Lucknow’s efforts to bring global icons and thought leaders from the industry. Welcoming Mr Adani to the campus, Prof. M. P. Gupta, Director, IIM Lucknow said, “Some days become truly special because of the presence of someone extraordinary. With Shri Adani’s presence at IIM Lucknow, today is one such day. His journey from modest beginnings to remarkable success is deeply inspiring.”
The session was attended by Prof. M.P. Gupta, Director, IIM Lucknow, Prof. Sanjay Singh, Dean (Programmes), Prof. Sanjeet Singh, Dean (Faculty), Prof. Sanjeev Kapoor, Dean (Research), Prof. Sushil Kumar (Dean Infra & CAO). Prof. Ajay Singh, Dean (Noida Campus), along with faculty, and students of the IIM Lucknow community.
During the visit, Shri Adani also participated in an interactive session with faculty members of IIM Lucknow to discuss various topics such as, industry-academia collaborations, future-ready management education, and India’s growing role in global business ecosystem, among others.
Established in 1984, IIM Lucknow is the fourth IIM to be established in India after IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore. In 2005, IIM Lucknow expanded by becoming the first IIM to set up a satellite campus exclusively for Executive Education at NOIDA in Delhi NCR region. IIM Lucknow is accredited by AACSB and AMBA while its EQUIS Accreditation is ongoing. IIM Lucknow was ranked at #7 in NIRF 2024 Management Ranking and ranked at #6 in MBAUniverse.com Rankings 2025. Prof. M.P. Gupta a former IIT Delhi Dean assumed the charge of Director of IIM Lucknow in April 2025.
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