Foundation Day 2026
16th Foundation Day Celebrations at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon
On 2nd March 2026, the Great Lakes community came together at Great Lakes, Gurgaon to celebrate the institution’s 16th Foundation Day. The occasion marked not just another milestone, but a celebration of vision, resilience, and the collective spirit that continues to shape the institute’s journey.
A Celebration of Legacy and Community
The programme commenced with the ceremonial Lamp Lighting, symbolising knowledge and purposeful progress. This was followed by cake cutting and a commemorative photograph, marking sixteen years of growth and transformation.
As the celebrations moved to the amphitheatre, the focus shifted to campus life and the vibrant community that defines the Gurgaon campus. The cultural segment brought energy to the evening, with students and team members presenting music, dance, rap, and poetry - showcasing creativity beyond academic and professional roles.
Interactive riddles centered around shared campus experiences, resumes, presentations, orientations, and deadlines — added a nostalgic touch, emphasizing on the strong sense of belonging within the Great Lakes community.
Leadership Perspectives: Shaping the Future
In his address, Head of Institution Dr. Jones Mathew reflected on the institute’s journey from a vision to a dynamic academic ecosystem. He highlighted the evolving landscape of management education, shaped by technological disruption and the rise of artificial intelligence.
He outlined three strategic priorities for the future:
- Strengthening an AI-focused academic approach
- Building a culture of respect and collaboration
- Nurturing purpose-driven leadership
He emphasised that institutional culture remains a key competitive advantage, and that future leaders must balance competence with character, and ambition with integrity. He also acknowledged the faculty as the backbone of the institution and encouraged the community to move forward with collective commitment.
Chairman Mr. Mohan Lakhamraju, in his recorded message, spoke about adaptability in an increasingly uncertain world. He encouraged students to stay agile, embrace change, and build meaningful networks anchored in values and responsibility.
Alumni Voice: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Chief Guest and alumnus of Great Lakes, Gurgaon (PGPM ’13), Mr. Rohit Singh, Head of Growth & Marketing at RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, reflected on his journey from campus life to leading growth and marketing functions across leading digital brands, highlighting resilience, adaptability, and disciplined execution as key drivers of sustained success.
He encouraged students to:
- Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth
- Commit to continuous learning
- Invest in relationships that extend beyond graduation
Recognising Excellence
The evening also celebrated the contributions of long-serving employees and outstanding performers across academics, operations, and student leadership.
Service milestone awards, academic recognitions, and committee honours underscored the dedication and excellence that sustain the institution’s credibility and culture.
A Culture Beyond Classrooms
The cultural performances captured the vibrant spirit of the Great Lakes community, where creativity, collaboration, and shared experiences form an integral part of campus life. The evening concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Sanchita Tuli, Director – Human Resources, expressing gratitude to all faculty, staff, students, and contributors for making the celebration memorable and meaningful.
Foundation Day 2026 stood as a reminder that institutions are built not only on vision and strategy, but on people, shared purpose, and the courage to evolve continuously.
