On 21st August 2026, a 50-member student delegation from the B.Com. and BBA departments of The Bhawanipur Education Society College, accompanied by three faculty members, participated in the Shaping Young Minds Programme 2026 at the auditorium of IIM Calcutta. The programme was organised jointly by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and the Calcutta Management Association (CMA), with the aim of providing young students with greater clarity of thought, practical insights, and guidance for their future.
The seminar was divided into four sessions, each featuring an eminent speaker from a different field. Rather than focusing only on conventional ideas of success, the speakers shared their personal journeys, including the challenges and failures they had faced along the way. Their experiences offered students an opportunity to understand how setbacks can become important lessons and how these experiences can shape one’s approach to life and a career.
The speakers included Ambassador Gautam Bambawale, Former Ambassador of India to China, Pakistan, and Bhutan; Ms. Vinita Bjoria, Chairperson, Nicco Cables Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. T. C. A. Ranganathan, Former Chairman and Managing Director, EXIM Bank of India; and Dr. Minu Budhia, Psychotherapist and Founder of Carring Minds International and ICanFlyy International School.
The sessions were moderated by Mr. Indranil Banerjee, President, Calcutta Management Association; Mr. Sumit Ray, Past President, Calcutta Management Association; Mr. Gautam Ray, Past President, Calcutta Management Association; and Ms. Sohini Goptu, Treasurer, Calcutta Management Association. Adding to the interactive nature of the programme, eight student panelists from different participating colleges were also present, allowing the discussions to incorporate a young, student-oriented perspective.
The programme was preceded by a practice session on 20th August 2026, during which another delegation of 13 students, comprising seven students from BBA and five from B.Com., participated. Following the session, 11 students were selected as panelists for the various sessions. These students had the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers and moderators, ask questions during the discussions, and personally engage with them after their respective sessions.
The programme covered a wide range of subjects, from diplomacy and corporate leadership to finance and mental well-being. The varied discussions gave students an opportunity to look at their future from different perspectives and learn from professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields.
For the students, another highlight was the opportunity to visit the prestigious IIM Calcutta campus. Between sessions, they explored the campus and experienced an environment closely associated with management education and professional learning.
The Shaping Young Minds Programme 2026 proved to be an enriching experience, giving students valuable insights, practical lessons, and a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Most importantly, the conversations encouraged them to reflect on their own aspirations and approach their future with greater clarity and confidence.
