The programme was organised on October 25th and 26th, 2025 at the visionary direction of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu. Conceived on the Bond with Jammu philosophy, the initiative brought together people, values and traditions through the association of IIM Jammu students with 85 Dogra families in Jammu for a daylong immersion in the community.

The intention of the program is to imbue students with experiential learning of grassroots culture, local wisdom and the social fabric of Jammu through converting society into a living classroom.

Four IIM Jammu students were welcomed by each family, providing them with individual contact with Dogra tradition, hospitality, ethnic pride and community values.

Addressing the program Prof Sahay termed the day's Bandhan cultural immersion programme as a warm bridge that brings people, not mere places, together and a move towards nation-building through empathy and tradition.

In keeping with the Dogra legacy and the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat aim he went on to say that IIM Jammu is a miniature India with a global perspective. The students are making a visit to local homes of Jammu and learning about Dogri culture, values, food and traditions with local Jammu families participating in the program.

Bandhan is where hearts come together, stories are shared and the soul of India is reflected through cultural unity. Learning goes beyond the classroom and leadership starts with understanding others. This first-of-its-kind initiative will foster socially conscious leaders through cultural exposure, social awareness, grassroots interaction, community outreach, emotional and value-based education and nation-building through cultural integration, he added extending gratitude to local families for their hospitality and help in enhancing IIM Jammu's community outreach.

The students engaged with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Army veterans and awardees of gallantry, local artists and custodians of culture, entrepreneurs and businesspeople, social activists and community leaders, educators and sporting personalities and government officials and administrators.

The host family explained that the effort enabled them to express their pride in Dogra history to the future generations of India's leaders.

Ankush Varma, Srinagar Campus Chief Innovation Officer, organised the event.