ROHTAK: Prof Dheeraj Sharma, director of IIM Rohtak, has been conferred the “Exemplary Governance Leadership Award” at the 46th World Management Congress, held at the India International Centre in New Delhi.The award, presented by the Congress’s Awards and Appreciation Committee, followed what organisers described as a rigorous selection process. Over 1,400 nominations were received globally, with only seven individuals shortlisted for the honour.Sharma was recognised for governance and institution-building initiatives that have helped IIM Rohtak expand its national footprint and align with global benchmarks. Under his leadership, the institute secured international accreditations from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA). IIM Rohtak also shifted to its permanent campus in 2018, with the project completed below estimated costs, the institute said.Academically, Sharma led the launch of the Integrated Programme in Management and the Integrated Programme in Law, the first such law programme among IIMs. A Stanford University list in 2023 placed him among the world’s top 2% researchers.In his address, Sharma stressed that institutional excellence begins with autonomy—especially financial autonomy—and that education must build value-based citizens, not just infrastructure.
