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Dr. Alok Kumar Rai Appointed Full-Time Director of IIM Calcutta; Unveils Vision Centered on Five ‘I’s

  • Writer: swathikainfo
    swathikainfo
  • Jul 31
  • 2 min read

Ending a prolonged period of interim leadership, Dr. Alok Kumar Rai has officially taken charge as the full-time Director of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta). His appointment, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, comes under the provisions of the amended IIM Act 2017, restoring full-time leadership to the prestigious institute after nearly two years.

Alok Kumar Rai takes charge as IIM Calcutta Director
Alok Kumar Rai takes charge as IIM Calcutta Director

A Proven Leader in Academia and Governance

Dr. Rai brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University, where he played a pivotal role in achieving NAAC A++ accreditation and driving major infrastructure developments despite financial challenges. His academic journey includes significant contributions at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), positioning him as a seasoned academic administrator known for balancing governance, student welfare, and research excellence.


The Five ‘I’s: A Vision for Inclusive and Innovative Leadership

Upon assuming charge, Dr. Rai outlined his strategic vision for IIM Calcutta, revolving around five core pillars:


  • Integration

  • Inclusion

  • Innovation

  • Internationalisation

  • Indianness


He emphasized that students would be active participants in governance structures, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making committees. “We should ensure that in almost all committees, stakeholders — especially students — are part of the decision-making process,” he stated.


Dr. Rai also underlined the need to balance global standards with Indian values, fostering an educational ecosystem that promotes innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.


Focus on Student Welfare and Safety

Given recent concerns surrounding student safety on campus, Dr. Rai highlighted that enhancing hostel facilities, security measures, and mental well-being support systems will be immediate priorities. He assured students of transparent grievance redressal mechanisms and participatory governance models to improve campus life quality.


A Stabilizing Appointment After Interim Leadership Phase

Dr. Rai succeeds Professor Saibal Chattopadhyay, who served as Director-in-Charge since January 2024. IIM Calcutta had been without a full-time director since 2021, following the resignation of former Director Dr. Anju Seth. His appointment is expected to bring much-needed stability and strategic direction to the institution.


Board of Governors’ Confidence in Rai’s Vision

Chairperson of IIM Calcutta’s Board of Governors, Shrikrishna Kulkarni, welcomed Dr. Rai’s appointment, noting that his leadership comes at a critical time as the institute navigates technological disruptions, global educational competition, and evolving management paradigms. The Board expressed confidence in Dr. Rai’s ability to steer IIM Calcutta towards becoming a global leader in management education, rooted in Indian ethos.


A New Era for IIM Calcutta

Dr. Alok Kumar Rai’s leadership is poised to mark a transformative era for IIM Calcutta, as it aims to strengthen its global footprint while nurturing a culture of innovation, academic rigor, and inclusiveness. His Five ‘I’s framework is expected to guide the institute's future strategies in curriculum development, international collaborations, and student engagement.

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