Dheeraj Sharma IIM Rohtak Receives Global Thought Leader Award at AGBA 2025

In a landmark recognition of academic leadership, Dheeraj Sharma IIM Rohtak was conferred with the Distinguished Global Thought Leader Award 2025 at the 21st World Congress of the Academy of Global Business Advancement (AGBA) held in Bangkok, July 2–4. This award celebrates Prof. Sharma’s exceptional influence in global management education and policy-driven research.

A Scholar with Global Impact

As the Director of IIM Rohtak, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma has authored over 250 scholarly publications and numerous books. His contributions span management theory, behavioral sciences, public policy, and international business. His academic footprint is globally recognized, influencing both scholarly circles and decision-making bodies in government and industry.

Launch of The Power of Movies

One of the highlights of AGBA 2025 was the launch of Prof. Sharma’s latest book, The Power of Movies, which explores cinema’s cultural and psychological impact. The book attracted significant attention, with all copies sold out during the event. Scholars and attendees praised its timely relevance and Professor Sharma’s interdisciplinary insight.

Keynote Speech: Cinema’s Role in Social Transformation

In his keynote address, Dheeraj Sharma emphasized how films shape public consciousness, consumer behavior, and national identity. Drawing from his book, he stated:

“Cinema reflects the soul of society. Through stories and characters, it educates, inspires, and drives transformation.”

He introduced the concept of the “ideal self” and explained:

“Movies construct the aspirational ‘ideal self’ that drives global consumerism and social trends. This warrants deeper scientific exploration in management and psychology.”

Promoting Global Collaboration from IIM Rohtak

Prof. Sharma also extended invitations to international faculty and researchers for collaborative opportunities at IIM Rohtak. His goal is to position the institute as a global academic hub for innovative research, industry partnerships, and cultural dialogue.

AGBA 2025: A Global Gathering of Scholars

The 21st AGBA World Congress brought together representatives from over 128 universities, with 275+ research papers presented by scholars from 33 countries. Key themes included:

• Strategic management and innovation

• Entrepreneurship and public policy

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

• Ethical AI and sustainable development in emerging economies

International Thought Leaders in Attendance

Notable speakers at AGBA 2025 included:

• Dr. Kyle S. Wells, President, Utah Tech University, USA

• Viput Ongaskul, Former Dean, National Institute of Development Administration, Thailand

• Prof. Christopher J. Marquette, Millikin University, USA

• Prof. Hermann Lassleben, Germany

• Ha Minh Tri, International University of Vietnam

Their contributions highlighted the importance of cross-border knowledge exchange and academic diplomacy.

Conclusion

Dheeraj Sharma IIM Rohtak being honored as a Distinguished Global Thought Leader is not only a personal milestone but also a recognition of India’s growing academic influence on the world stage. His call to embrace cultural mediums like cinema in management education is both timely and forward-looking. This award positions IIM Rohtak as a center of global relevance in business education and policy innovation.