Sambalpur, Oct 2: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said management students must create new narratives and they have the responsibility to address the emerging challenges that India faces.

Pradhan addressed students, faculty members, master weavers, and community members at the 11th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur.

He congratulated the IIM Sambalpur family on the occasion and emphasized the need for institutions like IIM Sambalpur to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship.

Highlighting the evolving role of educational institutions, Pradhan urged IIMs to go beyond conventional methods.

He said academic institutions should not follow "monotonous rules" but instead set new benchmarks of excellence, providing students with practical skills and preparing them for both Indian and global markets.

He also acknowledged the cultural richness of Sambalpur and its significance in India’s freedom struggle, mentioning the legacy of Veer Surendra Sai and the blessings of Maa Samaleswari.

He urged students to learn from their surroundings and use Sambalpur as a model for sustainable development and inclusive growth.