Lucknow, July 27: Indian Institute of Management Lucknow celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day on 27th July 2026 in the presence of faculty, staff, students, and other distinguished guests.
One of the key highlights of IIM Lucknow Foundation Day celebration is the annual Foundation Day Lecture, and this year, Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Other dignitaries present during the event included Prof. Sushil Kumar, Director in-charge; Prof M.K. Awasthi, Dean Faculty; Prof Amit Agrahari, CAO; Prof. Ashutosh Sinha, Chairperson MOU, and Prof O.S, Vaidya Chairperson, bmba, and other faculty members and staff.
During his Foundation Day address, Shri Awasthi emphasised the importance of AI adoption, digital transformation, and future-ready education. He underscored the need for institutions to embrace emerging technologies, and equip students with the skills required for an AI-driven economy.
Highlighting the transformative role of AI across different sectors, Shri Awasthi said,
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping every sector by enabling data-driven decision-making, improving service delivery, and driving innovation. To realise its full potential, academia, government, and industry must work together to promote AI-focused research, establish dedicated AI centres, nurture future-ready talent, and build indigenous AI capabilities. Those countries, those states, those institutions, and those children who are not going to get exposed to AI would be left behind.”
Addressing the Institute during the occasion, Prof. Sushil Kumar, Director in-charge, IIM Lucknow, said,
“IIM Lucknow has built a distinguished legacy in management education, and has consistently nurtured leaders who are driving businesses, institutions, and public policy in India and across the world. We take immense pride in our alumni, whose achievements continue to bring laurels to the Institute. Our annual Foundation Day gives us an opportunity to honour this rich legacy while reaffirming our unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and the larger public purpose for which the Institute was established. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering responsible leadership, and contributing meaningfully to society.”
The 42nd Foundation Day celebration at IIM Lucknow was marked by a series of special activities that highlighted the institute’s appreciation for its community and commitment to fostering a supportive environment:
- Sports Competitions: Contributing to the 42nd Foundation Day celebration, the Institute organised multiple competitions for the IIM Lucknow community from 11th to 18th July 2026. A prize distribution ceremony for the competition winners was conducted on 24th July 2026.
- Distribution of Memento: The Institute recognised the dedication and long-standing service of Prof Pankaj Kumar, and Ms. Sangeeta, who completed 25 years with the institute.
- Cash Awards for Meritorious Children: Demonstrating its support for academic excellence beyond its immediate community, IIM Lucknow celebrated the achievements of 15 meritorious children of its employees. Cash awards were distributed to these young achievers, acknowledging their outstanding academic performances.
- Cultural Program and Prize Distribution: The Foundation Day celebrations concluded with a cultural program that showcased the diverse talents of the campus community. Performances by campus children and Post Graduate Programme students along with students from Bhatkhande University, highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the institute. The event concluded with a prize distribution to artists, children, and employees.
By recognising the contributions of long-serving employees, celebrating the academic accomplishments of the next generation, and showcasing the cultural talents of its students, IIM Lucknow reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive com