IIM Bangalore Honours Alumni Service Award Winners for 2025
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) has officially announced the recipients of its 2025 Alumni Service Award (ASA), a recognition instituted to honour alumni who have made sustained and meaningful contributions to the institute and its global alumni network. This year’s awardees—Navin Kumar, Karan Bhagat, and Michael Sequeira—will be felicitated during a formal ceremony on October 28, 2025, coinciding with IIM Bangalore’s 52nd Foundation Day celebrations.
Introduced in 2023 during the institute’s Golden Jubilee year, the ASA highlights the long-term impact of alumni engagement in academic, institutional, and social spheres. The award is designed to recognise those who have contributed voluntarily to advancing the mission of IIMB and fostering stronger connections within its alumni community. Each awardee will be presented with a citation acknowledging their service and commitment to the IIMB ecosystem.
Meet the ASA 2025 Recipients
This year, three distinguished alumni from different graduating classes and sectors have been selected for the honour:
Navin Kumar (PGP 1999)
A veteran in the technology and talent services sector, Navin Kumar has consistently supported IIMB’s academic and alumni engagement initiatives for over two decades. He played a critical role during his tenure as Vice President of the IIMB Alumni Association (IIMBAA) from 2018 to 2019.
One of his most impactful contributions came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he helped conceptualise and launch IIMBueX, the virtual edition of the institute’s flagship leadership conclave, IIMBue. This platform ensured continued alumni engagement and thought leadership during a period of global uncertainty. Beyond events, Navin has been actively involved in mentoring and teaching, helping to bridge the gap between current students and industry veterans.
Karan Bhagat (PGP 2001)
Founder and CEO of 360 ONE, one of India’s premier wealth and asset management firms, Karan Bhagat brings a blend of industry leadership and institutional commitment. His contributions to IIMB have primarily centred around strategic partnerships and alumni-led platforms, especially his ongoing involvement with IIMBue.
Karan has supported several initiatives aimed at enhancing industry-institute collaboration, providing students and fellow alumni with opportunities to engage with the broader business community. His work also focuses on promoting leadership development, positioning IIMB graduates as change-makers in diverse sectors.
Michael Sequeira (PGP 2010)
Currently a Legal Officer at the Sanctuary Group in the UK, Michael Sequeira has been instrumental in advancing accessibility and inclusion at IIM Bangalore. His most significant contribution was helping establish the Office of Disability Services (ODS)—the first of its kind at any Indian Institute of Management.
Michael has remained a passionate advocate for students with disabilities, both during and after his time at IIMB. He continues to mentor students and alumni, working to create inclusive systems of support. He also played a pivotal role in founding Stars of IIM Bangalore, a peer and alumni support network dedicated to students and alumni with special needs, further strengthening IIMB’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Promoting Alumni Engagement and Institutional Development
The Alumni Service Award represents one of IIM Bangalore’s most prestigious recognitions for alumni involvement. It underscores the importance of voluntary alumni contributions in enriching the academic and social fabric of the institute. According to IIMB, these awards aim to:
- Recognise alumni who actively contribute to the institute and its alumni community
- Foster mentoring relationships between alumni and current students
- Encourage collaboration among alumni across sectors and geographies
- Strengthen institutional ties and promote global engagement
The award also aligns with IIMB’s vision of creating a globally connected and socially conscious alumni network, where graduates not only excel professionally but also contribute meaningfully to the development of their alma mater and society at large.
Looking Ahead: Foundation Day Celebrations
The ASA 2025 recipients will be formally honoured on October 28, 2025, during IIM Bangalore’s 52nd Foundation Day celebrations on campus. The event is expected to bring together members of the IIMB community—faculty, students, staff, and alumni—reflecting on the institute’s legacy while celebrating those who actively shape its future.
As IIMB continues to strengthen its global footprint and alumni relations, awards like the ASA serve as a reminder of the critical role alumni play in institutional development. This year’s recipients exemplify the spirit of service, leadership, and innovation that IIMB strives to instil in its students.
Conclusion
The 2025 Alumni Service Award recipients—Navin Kumar, Karan Bhagat, and Michael Sequeira—demonstrate the diverse and impactful ways alumni contribute to the IIM Bangalore community. Whether through thought leadership, industry engagement, or advocating for inclusivity, their efforts reinforce the institute’s core values and mission.
As IIM Bangalore celebrates its 52nd year, the recognition of these individuals not only honours their achievements but also sets a benchmark for future alumni to follow. Through their commitment and service, they continue to shape the evolving narrative of one of India’s premier management institutions.
