Lucknow: The Faculty of Management Studies at National Post Graduate College, Lucknow, organised Manthan 2026 on the theme “Shastra to Strategy” and the broader idea of “Indian Wisdom for Modern Expression”, bringing together academic, management and cultural perspectives on the relevance of Indian knowledge traditions in contemporary life.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Ujjwal Raman Singh, Manager, National PG College, and Prof. Devendra Kumar Singh, Principal of the college. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Singh highlighted the contemporary relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), noting that principles embedded in Indian texts, traditions and schools of thought can offer insights into decision-making, leadership, ethical conduct, problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Prof. Ram Krishna Jaiswal, Head of the Hindi Department, was also present.
The chief guest, Sumona Pandey, Programme Head, All India Radio, Lucknow, spoke about the continuing relevance of Indian knowledge and life philosophy. Referring to teachings and values from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana, she said their principles remain relevant to contemporary questions concerning decision-making, leadership, relationships, ethics and responsibilities.
The first competition, “Shastra to Strategy”, was an academic and research-oriented activity. Teams from different departments identified and analysed real or hypothetical contemporary corporate challenges and developed practical management strategies based on insights drawn from Indian scriptures and classical texts. The competition was judged by Prof. (Dr.) Amit Kumar Bhanja, Dean-Marketing, GNIOT Institute of Management Studies (GIMS).
The second competition, “Where Wisdom Finds Rhythm”, provided a cultural platform for teams from the Faculty of Management to creatively present Indian stories, values, characters, principles and episodes through dance. The performances connected cultural expression with Indian knowledge traditions and life values. The competition was judged by Divya Upadhyay, Programme Director at Skyhop Professional Dance Institute and a trainer and choreographer in Kathak, contemporary and folk dance.
GNIOT Institute of Management Studies (GIMS) supported Manthan 2026 as the main sponsor, extending its support to the academic and cultural activities of the event.
At the time of filing the report, the winners of the competitions had not yet been announced.
