Jammu, 22 November 2025: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at integrating creativity with contemporary management education, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur—renowned theatre personality, cultural architect, and former cultural diplomat of India—introduced an innovative course titled Performing Arts for Management Excellence to the new batch of IPM course at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu.
Addressing an enthusiastic group of 150 management students, Thakur emphasized the transformative influence of performing arts on personality development and leadership growth. He noted that in today’s volatile and demanding professional landscape, management students must not only be intellectually competent but also emotionally agile and creatively empowered.
“Performing arts have the remarkable power to reshape personalities from within,” he said. “For management students, these practices offer far more than artistic engagement, they build presence, poise, confidence, and the ability to command any room. When students participate in theatre, movement, storytelling, or improvisation, they learn to overcome inhibitions, dismantle mental barriers, and discover their authentic voices. This inner transformation forms the foundation of impactful leadership.”
Balwant Thakur elaborated on how performing arts help cultivate empathy, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration, all essential traits for effective managers. By portraying characters, responding spontaneously in improvisational settings, or performing as part of a group, students gain a nuanced understanding of human emotions and interpersonal dynamics. This, he observed, strengthens their ability to interpret subtle cues, engage meaningfully with teams, and respond with heightened awareness.
He further stressed that performing arts sharpen clarity in communication, enhance resilience under pressure, and stimulate innovative thinking. These experiences, he argued, encourage students to express ideas with confidence, think unconventionally, and remain composed in uncertain situations. “A manager who can articulate persuasively, think creatively, and maintain balance amidst unpredictability becomes a standout professional. Performing arts nurture exactly these competencies.”
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Thakur acknowledged the unwavering support of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu. He praised Prof. Sahay’s commitment to progressive, holistic education. “I am deeply thankful to Prof. Sahay for recognizing the transformative potential of performing arts and enabling this unique course. His visionary leadership is shaping IIM Jammu into an institution that not only cultivates intelligent minds but also nurtures expressive, confident, and compassionate individuals.”
Thakur concluded by calling the introduction of the course a bold step toward reimagining management education. He noted that the initiative, introduced nearly three years ago, is already leaving a meaningful imprint on students’ personal and professional journeys. “By embracing performing arts, IIM Jammu is preparing its students to lead with creativity, humanity, and self-awareness.”