The Jio Institute campus came alive with fresh energy and promise on Thursday, 23rd April 2025, as it opened its doors to the Postgraduate Programme (PGP) Batch 2026-27. In an inspiring inaugural session, 89 eager students stepped into a new chapter of their journey, ready to be shaped into the business leaders of tomorrow. The air was charged with excitement and possibility as this new cohort embarked on a transformative experience designed to equip them for the dynamic, ever-evolving world of business.
The session was graced by distinguished industry leaders: Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, Independent Director at Acko, served as Chief Guest; Mr. Suresh Subramanian, CEO of AI Vista Analytics, was Guest of Honour; and Mr. Hitesh Patel, Head of Marketing – Sports at Reliance Industries Ltd., delivered the keynote address. Together, they articulated a vision of leadership rooted in innovation, technological fluency, and sectoral transformation.
The AI Imperative
Mr. Suresh Subramanian opened the dialogue by addressing the technological revolution reshaping industries across the globe. "AI is the present and is advancing in fields of healthcare, finance, and multiple others," he stated, emphasising that artificial intelligence is no longer a distant future but an immediate reality that demands attention and understanding from today's business leaders.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Rohini Srivathsa offered a demystifying perspective on the technology. “While AI leverages data, computation, and mathematics to predict patterns, human intelligence remains irreplaceable. True impact comes from the collaboration between artificial and human intelligence, each amplifying the other's strengths". Her insights reinforced a key principle of the programme: equipping students with data literacy and analytical thinking to work effectively alongside AI systems.
Both speakers stressed that success in the AI era requires more than technical knowledge. It demands the ability to identify business problems, apply the right technological solutions, and interpret outcomes in ways that drive strategic decision-making. For the PGP students, this translates into a curriculum that integrates case-studies, live projects, and exposure to cutting-edge tools and frameworks.
Sports as a Sunrise Sector
Mr. Hitesh Patel shifted the conversation to one of India's most dynamic growth industries. "Sports is a sunrise industry, and the newer students are the torch bearers to take this forward," he said, highlighting the unprecedented opportunities emerging at the intersection of sports, media, technology, and commerce.
Drawing from his experience at Reliance Industries, Mr. Patel illustrated how sports marketing has evolved from traditional sponsorships to integrated brand ecosystems, creating new career pathways in sports management, athlete partnerships, digital fan engagement, and event innovation. His address resonated particularly with students interested in the Sports Management specialisation, reinforcing Jio Institute's commitment to preparing leaders for emerging sectors.
A Vision for Transformative Education
The institutional leadership outlined the values and expectations that will guide the cohort's journey. Dr. Palak Sheth, Project Director, welcomed the students and emphasised the Institute's commitment to experiential learning and industry immersion. Dr. Dipak Jain, Vice-Chancellor, spoke about the importance of intellectual curiosity and principled leadership, while Dean Dr. Shailesh Kumar presented the Institution Development Report, showcasing the infrastructure, faculty expertise, and programme design that position Jio Institute at the forefront of management education.
Student representatives from the three PGP specialisations (Management with Marketing, Sports Management, and Artificial Intelligence & Data Science) shared their perspectives, reflecting the diverse aspirations and backgrounds of the incoming class.
Looking Ahead
As the inaugural session concluded, the 89 students of PGP Batch 2026-27 began their programme focused on developing critical thinking, strategic skills, and leadership. The session marked the start of their journey with a clear goal: to emerge as responsible leaders who can make meaningful contributions in their fields.
With insights from industry pioneers, guidance from institutional leadership, and a curriculum built for relevance and rigor, the PGP Batch of 2026-27 begins its journey at a moment of both challenge and opportunity, ready to shape the future of business in India and beyond.