The Indian Institute of Management Shillong hosted an impactful session of its flagship Veteran Leadership Series that highlighted the enduring relevance of military leadership in today’s complex business environment.
Themed, “Leadership Lessons: From Battlefield to Boardroom,” the event, which was held on July 10, featured Major General Rajesh Kumar Jha, AVSM & Bar (Retd.), Director (Personnel) at NEEPCO, as the chief guest and keynote speaker. With over 38 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army, including key roles in Doklam, Kargil, Tawang, Sikkim, J&K, and Ladakh, General Jha brought a rare blend of military and corporate leadership insights to the fore.
Major General Jha shared personal accounts and leadership lessons that emphasized mission focus, ethical decision-making, accountability, and adaptability. “In the Army, we don’t lead from behind; we lead from the front,” he said, encouraging young leaders to act with courage and integrity, especially in times of uncertainty.
A highlight of his talk was a reflection on Operation Sindoor, which he described as a blueprint for strategic clarity, technological preparedness, ethical restraint, and resilient execution. He connected these military values to business leadership, illustrating how high-stakes operational readiness aligns with corporate decision-making and long-term vision.
He also spoke about his ongoing efforts at NEEPCO, where he has led reforms in HR, recruitment, industrial relations, training, and CSR, with a strong focus on gender inclusivity, sports revival, and sustainability. He is currently spearheading green energy collaborations with the Indian Army under the NTPC Group, reinforcing the link between national service and sustainable development.
IIM Shillong Director-in-Charge Professor Nalini Prava Tripathy emphasized the value of learning from diverse leadership experiences. She underlined that future leaders must demonstrate resilience, moral courage, and vision—qualities often honed in the armed forces.
The Veteran Leadership Series continues to be a powerful platform at IIM Shillong, bridging the gap between military discipline and modern management. It enables students to learn from strategic sensemaking, team cohesion, and values-led leadership under adversity.
