Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management

Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM): A Beacon of Educational Excellence

The character of a nation is profoundly reflected in its educational institutions, which contribute significantly to societal and cultural growth. Since ancient times, India has upheld a tradition of responsible educational institutions, fostering not only sound scholars but also well-rounded individuals. Institutions like Taxila and Nalanda set high standards, producing luminaries such as Panini, Kautilya, and Charaka. These ancient universities were not merely centers of knowledge but also institutions that fostered excellence in a wide range of disciplines, from medicine to philosophy.

Modern Indian institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), continue to carry this tradition forward. Established through a resolution by the Syndicate of Calcutta University on April 25, 1953, IISWBM became the first institution in India to offer a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management in July 1954.

Formation and Evolution:

The establishment of IISWBM was influenced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), which in 1948 formed a committee to examine the need for training in industrial administration and business management. A sub-committee chaired by Sir Jehangir Ghandy recommended IISWBM as the ideal center for business management courses, leading to its inauguration. In 1958, the institute was registered as a society, and ever since, it has been managed by an autonomous council, receiving support from the Government of India until 1991, after which the Government of West Bengal took over.

Academic and Institutional Framework:

The institute comprises two blocks—Administrative and Academic—with a total floor area of 1,235.41 sq. meters. The foundation stone of the Academic Block was laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on November 30, 1958. Since then, IISWBM has been governed by a Board of Governors, which includes key figures such as the Vice Chancellor and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, as well as representatives from chambers of commerce and government bodies.

The institute offers several prestigious courses, the most notable being the Master’s in Business Management (MBM) affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Additionally, it introduced Post Graduate Diploma courses in Business Management (PGDBM) in 1990, Human Resource Management in 1992, and Public Systems Management in 1993, specializing in areas like Health Care, Transport and Logistics, Environment, and Energy Management.

Legacy and Contributions:

IISWBM has been instrumental in shaping many prominent professionals who have made significant contributions both nationally and internationally. Notable alumni include:

• Prof. Sumantra Ghoshal, a renowned academic at the London Business School.
• Shri L.N. Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company.
• Shri Sudhir Jalan, former President of FICCI.
• Dr. C.V. Chandrasekaran, Managing Director of the Balmer Lawrie group.

Despite the rapid growth of management institutes in India, IISWBM continues to maintain its esteemed reputation as the oldest management institute in India, known for its high standards and commitment to quality education.

Commemorative Recognition:

In honor of fifty years of IISWBM’s existence, the Department of Posts has released a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the institute’s contributions to education and its pivotal role in nurturing leaders who have shaped the future of business and management.

This tribute acknowledges IISWBM’s dedication to upholding the finest traditions of Indian education, providing a foundation for future generations to build upon, and serving as a guiding light in the country’s academic landscape.