MDP emphasises important subjects like leadership, ethics, governance and AI, rural innovation, project management and mobilisation of financial resources. The major dignitaries at the inaugural event were Shri Sham Lal (JKAS), Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Prof. Sanjay Gupta and Dr. Archana Sharma.

Shri Sham Lal stressed the importance of ongoing learning and fiscal independence for Panchayats, while Prof. Upadhyay put a spotlight on IIM Jammu's distinct educational partnership and country-building mission. Prof. Pathak also pointed to the institute's widening executive education mandate, which now encompasses government leaders.

The event was launched with a lamp-lighting ceremony and included campus tours and interactive participant workshops. The program, comprising expert lectures, case studies and field visits, aims to empower grassroots leaders to enhance rural governance and service delivery.