On one stage, many minds—thought leaders and changemakers gather at IIMA, reflecting how a single act of giving can spark a collective future. – NE photo
- From Alumna to architect: Chandrika Tandon sets a gold standard in purposeful giving
Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI emerges as a beacon of impact-led philanthropy
Blending technology, management & society to create leaders who matter
A model for alumni nationwide: Transforming gratitude into global institutions
Endowment-driven vision reinforces India’s rise in responsible AI leadership
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 27
In a powerful testament to the art of giving back, Chandrika Tandon—an alumna of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad—has transformed gratitude into a generational legacy, spearheading the creation of the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence through a ₹100-crore endowment with her husband Ranjan Tandon.
The inauguration, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Chandrika Tandon alongside Pankaj Patel, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMA; Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA; and Ramesh Mangaleswaran, stands not just as an institutional milestone—but as an inspiring blueprint for alumni across India to give back with vision and impact.
At its core, the School embodies a philosophy where philanthropy meets purpose—aiming to translate advances in artificial intelligence into real-world solutions that enhance decision-making, boost productivity, and tackle complex challenges across business, government, and society.
A vision rooted in giving, driven by impact
Sharing the vision behind establishing the School at IIMA, Chandrika Tandon said, “It is an honour to be engaged with my beloved alma mater, IIMA, to set up the new AI school. As we all know, the changes about to be unleashed by the power of algorithms and machines are cataclysmic yet exciting. The focus on applied research in vertical industry sectors and functions, identifying tangible challenges that can be transformed by AI, will allow IIMA to educate better future leaders and serve society with groundbreaking insights in partnership with industry. It is a very exciting development – indeed an imperative for today. Congratulations to the farsightedness of all involved – the leadership at the institution and government.”
Leadership applauds a transformative gesture
Addressing the attendees, Pankaj Patel said, “Artificial Intelligence is redefining the future of organisations, economies, and communities worldwide. At this defining moment, it is our responsibility to channel its power with purpose and vision to create lasting value for business and society. The Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence marks a bold new chapter for IIMA and industry-academia collaboration in the AI sphere. It will usher in a new era that will build the next generation of thinkers, learners, industry professionals, and research scholars who will operate at the intersection of technology, management, and societal impact.”
Professor Bharat Bhasker added, “The establishment of the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence at IIMA is a timely and forward-looking initiative that will bridge the gap between rapidly advancing AI technology and its effective integration into organisations to enhance leadership, decision-making, and productivity through education, innovation, research, and industry partnerships. We thank Chandrika Tandon for adding scale and support to our vision in this direction to find solutions to complex challenges across industry, government, and society in India.”
An ecosystem built on responsibility & insight
The School will operate at the intersection of technology, management, and public impact—focusing on how AI is understood, adopted, governed, and embedded within organisations and public systems.
Deep Kalra, Chairperson, IIMA Endowment Fund Board, said, “The School represents an important step in applying artificial intelligence to address real challenges in business and society. By combining technology with management insight and institutional leadership, it will help empower decision-makers to apply AI thoughtfully in real organisational contexts. Such initiatives strengthen India’s ability to use AI to drive long-term economic and societal progress.”
Professor Ankur Sinha noted, “In the AI-driven world the most complex challenges are not going to be purely computational. The problems will be institutional, ethical, and organisational in nature. Addressing these challenges requires judgment, leadership, and responsible governance—areas where the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI has a unique and enduring role to play.”
Beyond donation: A living framework for change
Alongside the inauguration, the School unveiled its first research report, “Navigating the Failure Trap with AI Value Compass,” developed in collaboration with Persistent Systems. Based on insights from nearly 100 enterprises, the report highlights a critical gap between AI investments and strategic transformation, introducing a structured framework to guide responsible and scalable AI adoption.
In essence, the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI is more than a centre of learning—it is a living embodiment of how alumni giving can shape institutions, influence industries, and inspire a nation to give with purpose.
