Embracing the dynamics of diversity and inclusion at IIM Bodh Gaya

Time and again we hear the word ‘diversity’ and whenever we hear this word - we relate it to race, culture, or gender. But diversity is much more than that. It is the understanding and acceptance of each individual's uniqueness - an art of living. IIM Bodh Gaya embraces the essence of diversity in its entirety. 

Diversity at a B-School is of prime importance. It enables them to get different viewpoints and promote them to come up with solutions to various problems in a holistic manner. B-Schools are known for their case study based teaching model and a diverse batch of students helps to augment the analysis process and learning experience. A diverse learning environment also helps future leaders to be more empathetic and emotionally intelligent. To be a successful manager, good interpersonal skills are fundamental requirements. The Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, Dr. Vinita Sahay, knew the importance and emphasized getting a diverse batch for the admission year 2020-22. 

From this year, IIM Bodh Gaya has started conducting the Supplementary Admission Process (SAP) in parallel to the Common Admission Process (CAP). It allowed the college to induct students who came from more diverse backgrounds in terms of gender and education. SAP conducted WAT - PI process for students who had slightly less percentile from the CAP qualified students. 

IIM Bodh Gaya has come a long way in terms of diversity with the current batch. From a batch with three girls in the prior year, the college has admitted sixty - eight female students this year. It is a number that the college can proudly flaunt. It was also successful in getting approximately 54% of students who have prior work experience. The college saw students with the highest work experience of sixty months. It was not behind in terms of professional diversity, as well. It admitted students from backgrounds such as Psychology, Science, Humanities, Commerce, Statistics, Hospitality, Management graduate apart from the ubiquitous engineers. 

The batch incorporates everything from corporate experience to the enthusiasm of a fresher, the number-crunching ability of a commerce student to the human behavior understanding of a psychology student, the college has it all. The diverse batch of students would help the college attain their set goals. The college seeks to provide the students with a platform which will help them grow holistically and become an empathetic leader.

Verna Myers, an American Activist, said, “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance,”. Diversity in the current batch would help in imparting the lesson of inclusion to the students. Diversity cannot exist without inclusion. When a person feels included, they feel a sense of belonging that drives increased performance results and a collaborative attitude. A diverse and inclusive environment promotes innovation and engagement among people. Higher engagement in teams drives higher levels of productivity, retention, and overall success. The employers in today's day and age have learned this trick and look for individuals who have a profound sense of inclusiveness. Hence, it is a good signal that B-Schools like IIM Bodh Gaya have picked up diversity from an early stage and is fostering inclusion among its students.