Educational leaders are the architects of the dynamic academic world, who make and break policies to craft an environment that caters to the comprehensive development of the learners. These industry experts make strategic plans and set a direction for continuous improvements and growth of the institute. They prioritize students’ success and the overall effectiveness of the educational institute. These visionaries encourage innovation and inclusivity, which are the key success factors of any educational infrastructure.
As the educational domain is dynamic, there’s always room for improvement; these leaders keep themselves updated and constantly incorporate changes that positively impact the growth prospective of the students and staff. They not only shape their educational organizations but also inspire the world to enhance the quality of education, which in the long run provides societal benefits such as improved employment, securing higher income, upliftment of living standards, and creating equal opportunities.
Sh. Kumod Kumar is a pioneer in the world of innovation and education who has constantly worked for youth empowerment through his visionary leadership, influential communication, and years of experience. This accomplished leader is the Chief Administrative Officer at Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna, Chief Executive Officer at CIMP Business Incubation & Innovation Foundation, and Chairperson, CIMP Centre for CSR & ESG Studies Foundation.
After accumulating over two decades of experience within esteemed media houses, he made a transition to assume the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP). In this capacity, he formulated institutional guidelines aimed at fostering innovation, propelling success, and advancing gender equality among both students and staff.
As the Chairperson of CIMP Foundation, he leads Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives like “Beautiful Minds,” which offers free education to children from slum areas, and the “Student Guidance Center,” which provides free coaching to SC and ST students.
Additionally, he serves as a non-executive director at TIH-IIT Patna. He is a member of the Board of Studies for the Mass Communication Department of Patna Women’s College. He is prominent as the CEO of CIMP Business Incubation & Innovation Foundation (BIIF), Bihar’s leading startup incubator, fostering regional entrepreneurship.
According to him, the key to his success in both media and administration lies in his strong work ethic, result-oriented approach, and ability to build effective relationships with a diverse range of individuals, whether well-known personalities or students.
Giving it Back to the Society
Effective leadership involves more than just giving direction; it requires values and principles to guide decision-making and interactions with the youth. The thought leaders inspire and motivate the younger generation through their conduct and strategies and pass on the legacy.
Sh. Kumod Kumar is guided by fostering dynamic two-way interactions with the youth, whether engaging with startups at B-Hub, a startup co-working space supported by the Department of Industry (Govt. of Bihar), or students at CIMP. He firmly believes that the youth have vibrant ideas, and his passion for imparting and receiving knowledge has nurtured robust relationships with them.
Nourishing Young Minds with Extensive Education
The performance of a community’s youth is its greatest asset. The rising generation takes its cues from the beliefs and philosophies of the educational leaders who guide them.
Sh. Kumod Kumar believes that in this era of globalization, it is vital to guide the youth towards acquiring extensive knowledge and honing their skills. Simultaneously, prioritizing ethical values should be a foundational aspect of their journey toward success.
An Educational Gem
Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna is an educational marvel that nurtures its students with academic excellence and beyond. It is a well-established, holistic, and future-facing institute. It cultivates fundamental abilities in its students, such as dedication, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
Established in 2008 with generous support from the Government of Bihar, this institute has been a pivotal force in shaping the academic and developmental landscape of the state. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, who also serves as the Chairman of the institute’s Board of Governors, CIMP has consistently empowered students to excel as professional managers.
It has earned notable recognition, securing a position among the country’s top one hundred and twenty-five management institutes as per the NIRF ranking 2023 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Additionally, CIMP achieved the 6th position among government B-Schools in the East zone, according to India Today’s 2022 rankings. Recently, Career 360 rated the institute as an AAA+ business school.
Leveraging the Influential Charm
Industry leaders possess the charm to positively influence the lives and decisions of the people they interact with. In this context, Sh. Kumod Kumar is a bright mind. As the CEO of CIMP-BIIF, his efforts have led to remarkable growth in his startup community, from fifty incubated in 2021 to over three hundred incubatees by 2023, with 90 percent being youth.
It is very satisfying for him to see some of his startups, such as RodBez, Hanuman and Redinent Innovations, making waves at the national level. He and his team have cultivated a vibrant startup culture in Bihar, extending mentorship to students in schools, universities, and government engineering colleges over the past two years.
Empowering the Young Spirits
India recognizes the importance of empowering its youth and has made significant efforts towards achieving these goals. By investing in education, employment opportunities, and skill development programs, the nation can unlock the potential of its young population. Youth empowerment is not only crucial for the country’s progress but also portrays a modern image of India to the world, thus enhancing its reputation on the global stage.
Sh. Kumod Kumar has been actively involved in youth empowerment and education initiatives. He wrote three books and various papers on Corporate Social Responsibility and entrepreneurship in International Journals of repute. He also introduced certificate courses at CIMP-BIIF and organized three international conferences on CSR and Environmental Social Governance (ESG). He has mentored over fifty institutes in Bihar and conducted entrepreneurship sessions.
Sh. Kumod Kumar has also mentored adolescent girls of I-Saksham, a not-for-profit organization, on entrepreneurship and education. Additionally, CIMP serves as the host institution for The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, and the technical institution for the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), providing vital guidance to village clusters.
Sailing through the Challenges
Life is full of highs and lows, and how one deals with the challenges makes all the difference. Navigating these challenges can be tricky, but industry leaders and their journeys motivate the youth to overcome obstacles effectively.
Sh. Kumod Kumar says, “The challenges faced by today’s youth include a critical need for effective mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals and leaders.” In his perspective, institutes can play a vital role in addressing these challenges through skill-mapping initiatives. He prioritizes the growth of moral and ethical values. He says, “Given the youth’s innate innovation and the thriving startup ecosystem in India, leaders can significantly impact their journey by providing the necessary guidance to steer them in the right direction.”
Sh. Kumod Kumar is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the youth and the wider community. He aspires to leave behind a legacy of excellence as a mentor and teacher, guiding and educating the younger generation toward growth and development. Throughout his career, Sh. Kumod Kumar has worked tirelessly to inspire and motivate the youth to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. His commitment makes him a great leader and educator.
A Melting Pot of Inspiration
Primarily, Sh. Kumod Kumar’s parents have been crucial in shaping his values and approach to mentorship. Additionally, the Founding Director of CIMP, Dr. V. Mukunda Das, has played a pivotal role in his mentoring philosophy. Dr. Das’ lifelong passion for learning, academic excellence, and unwavering belief in his potential since he joined the institute have left a lasting impact.
Furthermore, the humble nature, interpersonal skills, and avid reading habit of ex-acting chief Justice Bihar and Justice Nagendra Rai have also inspired and shaped Sh. Kumod Kumar’s approach to guiding others.
Significance of Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration and partnerships are crucial in Sh. Kumod Kumar’s efforts to guide and support the youth. He believes that collaborations enhance proficiency and skill development through shared knowledge. For instance, CIMP-BIIF’s collaboration with T-Hub of Hyderabad is geared towards advancing entrepreneurship in both Bihar and Hyderabad.
Furthermore, the institute establishes partnerships with organizations like the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), VentureCat, and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), aiming to catalyze innovation in the state. It also collaborates with the Indian Institute of Technology – Patna (IIT-P), The Energy & Research Institute (TERI), and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur for knowledge sharing and skill development.
Sh. Kumod Kumar’s vision of collaboration invites empowerment and enhances the student’s learning experiences.
Maintaining a Continuous Learning Process
According to Sh. Kumod Kumar, accepting change is necessary to stay relevant in the fast-paced society to provide efficient guidance that meets the changing needs of youth. He stays adaptable by continuously learning about topics that pique the interest of today’s generation, acquiring new skills, and staying attuned to their mindset.
Over the last two decades, his diverse experiences across media marketing, administration, research, business incubation, and CSR reflect his commitment to learning and staying in tune with the youth.
Sh. Kumod Kumar says, “In my mission to influence and inspire the youth, my only long-term goal is to share knowledge through mentorship and handholding.” He is dedicated to guiding and supporting them and helping the rising generation bring their innovative ideas to life.
An Efficient Leader for the Youth
For Sh. Kumod Kumar, it’s essential to strike a balance between empathy for the struggles faced by young people and inculcating a strong sense of leadership. According to him, a leader is someone who inspires others and has an enormous impact. He supports the youth in achieving their objectives with enthusiasm, so he is always willing to lend a hand when they approach him. In the workplace, he strives to be as morally upright as he can, offering them friendly, rational guidance to enable them on their path. Because of this combination, he can be a capable leader who understands the youth’s challenges.
