NMIMS Chandigarh proudly hosted the first edition of Echoes of the Ink… From the Literary Lounge of NMIMS—a celebration of literature, dialogue, and thought leadership. The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, accompanied by Saraswati Vandana, setting a spiritually uplifting tone for the day.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Ankita Bhardwaj, Program Chairperson, School of Commerce, NMIMS Chandigarh. She warmly welcomed Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Former Finance Secretary of India, and highlighted the legacy of NMIMS in shaping education with integrity and excellence over the decades.
Insights from Shri Subhash Chandra Garg
Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, expressed his gratitude for being invited to the maiden edition of Echoes of the Ink, where his book “No, Minister” was featured. In his keynote, he shared insights from his 36-year-long distinguished career in public service, particularly as a senior bureaucrat. He emphasized the importance of conviction in one’s education and learning, urging students to stand by their values and knowledge.
A thought-provoking stage conversation followed between Shri Shubhash Chandra Garg and CA Pankaj Kapoor, Assistant Professor, School of Commerce, NMIMS Chandigarh. The discussion delved into the core themes of No, Minister, exploring the significance of saying “no” in public administration—particularly in ensuring equitable distribution of resources and ethical governance. Shri Garg emphasized that saying “no” is often a constructive and necessary stance for sustainable national development.
The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty, who engaged Shri Subhash Chandra Garg with questions on India’s foreign policy, global economic trends, and sought his guidance on career opportunities in economics and finance.
Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director, NMIMS Chandigarh, concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks to Shri Garg. She congratulated him on his new book and shed light on the vision behind Echoes of the Ink, inspired by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, who encourages all NMIMS campuses to cultivate a deep-rooted culture of reading and intellectual engagement.
Felicitation and Best Reader Awards
The event concluded with the felicitation of Shri Subhash Chandra Garg by Dr. Singh, followed by a special moment of recognition where students from the School of Commerce, School of Technology Management & Engineering, and the School of Law were awarded the “Best Reader Award” for their outstanding use of library resources.
The program concluded on a patriotic note with the rendition of the National Anthem, marking the end of an inspiring and intellectually enriching event.