PATNA (India CSR): The 3rd International Financial Management Conference (IFMC 2025), hosted by the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) on February 7, 2025, brought together a diverse group of research scholars, academics, and industry professionals to discuss the latest trends and best practices in financial management. Held in hybrid mode, the conference served as a melting pot of ideas, focusing on critical topics like responsible investment, sustainable finance, carbon trading, and forensic accounting. With participants from 26 institutions across India and beyond, the event was a testament to the growing importance of sustainable and innovative financial practices in today’s world.
A Grand Inauguration: Lighting the Path to Knowledge
The conference began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Prof. Dr. Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, alongside Mr. Kumod Kumar, CAO of CIMP, Prof. Santosh Kumar, Chairperson of IFMC 2025, and Prof. Ranjit Tiwari, Convenor of IFMC 2025. In his welcome address, Prof. Rana Singh emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to address the evolving challenges in financial management.
Keynote Addresses: Bridging Industry and Academia
The event featured insightful keynote addresses from both industry and academic leaders. Mr. Som Sekhar Mishra, CEO of International Shipping and Logistics FZE (a Tata company), highlighted the environmental impact of the shipping industry and shared innovative strategies to achieve sustainability. His speech underscored the need for industries to adopt eco-friendly practices without compromising profitability.
From the academic side, Dr. Anju Singh, Professor at IIM Mumbai, delivered a compelling address on environmental sustainability, stressing the role of financial systems in promoting green initiatives. Dr. Prashant Gupta, Professor at IIM Nagpur, followed with a thought-provoking discussion on sustainable finance and responsible investment, urging stakeholders to align financial goals with global sustainability targets.
Research and Innovation: Showcasing Groundbreaking Work
The conference received 33 paper submissions, of which 27 were accepted and 25 were presented during the event. These papers covered a wide range of topics, including micro-enterprises, asset pricing, investor psychology, and alternative assets. The presentations were organized into four parallel technical sessions, chaired by esteemed professors from leading institutions like TAPMI, SPJIMR, and O.P. Jindal Global University.
Participants from institutions such as IRMA, Flame University, NIT Rourkela, and XIM University Bhubaneswar shared their research, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas. The sessions provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights from some of the brightest minds in the field.
Valedictory Session: Inspiring the Future of Finance
The conference concluded with a valedictory session featuring Mr. Govind Shanbogue, Managing Director of Santander Corporate and Investment Banking, UK, who spoke on the growing importance of impact investment. Mr. Ashish K Khatua, Associate Vice President of JSW Steel Ltd., also shared his expertise on sustainable finance, highlighting the role of corporate responsibility in driving financial innovation.
Prof. Ranjit Tiwari summarized the conference, encouraging attendees to continue their pursuit of knowledge and innovation. The event concluded with the announcement of the best paper awards:
- First Prize: Gopala B from Alliance University for his work on Finance and Sustainability: A Framework for Responsible Investment.
- Second Prize: Riny Raju and Dr. Raju G from XIME Bangalore for their study on Financing SMEs: Overcoming Volatility and Market-Driven Challenges.
- Third Prize: Faheema Mohammed Manu from Bharathiar University for her research on Consumer Perspectives on Sustainable Development Goals and Banking Sustainability Initiatives.
Looking Ahead: IFMC 2026
Prof. Santosh Kumar delivered the vote of thanks and announced the 4th International Financial Management Conference, scheduled for February 2026. The announcement left attendees eagerly anticipating another year of groundbreaking discussions and collaborations.
(India CSR)
