In a groundbreaking move towards fostering a risk-intelligent India, the India Affiliate of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM), the world’s leading certifying body for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) with exam centres across 140 countries, has licensed Sri Sri University (SSU) to establish India’s first and East India’s only Global Centre for ERM. SSU is one of only four exclusive universities to have earned recognition and support from the IRM India Affiliate. By providing access to IRM’s world-class resources and training, the centre will empower thousands of students to become proficient risk-informed business leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate managers. Additionally, the collaboration will enhance continuous learning for IRM’s India community, who will have access to this centre or mini campus for networking, research and other opportunities.
The signing ceremony was conducted at the Art of Living International Centre in Bangalore, with the participation of global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of SSU; Prof. Rajita Kulkarni, President of SSU; Hersh Shah, CEO of IRM India Affiliate; Kosha Parekh, COO of IRM India Affiliate; and other dignitaries.
Sri Sri University has been at the forefront of preparing students for IRM’s global ERM exams since 2021. With IRM’s gold standard curriculum and the well-trained, certified faculty at SSU, the University has started delivering Level 1 course training to the young leaders studying on campus. Establishing the Global Centre for ERM will further enhance SSU’s role as an important hub in the region. The Global Centre will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide unparalleled resources and opportunities for learning and development to students and professionals from states across East India, including Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and the northeastern states. Key features of the centre include:
1. Terminals with ERM resources and simulations: Cutting-edge technology to provide hands-on experience and practical learning.
2. Library with IRM Books, publications, and research papers: A comprehensive collection of the latest and most relevant literature in the field of risk management.
3. Risk Museum: This is an interactive space where visitors can explore the history of ERM and learn about the key figures and milestones that have shaped the profession.
4. Event Spaces: Dedicated areas for IRM India’s What’s the RiskTM shows, alumni events, risk summits and IRM course training sessions for East India students.
IRM India Affiliate is dedicated to its mission of creating a risk-intelligent India. It aims to foster a resilient and sustainable business environment by equipping professionals and students with the skills needed to anticipate, manage and mitigate risks. The partnership with SSU represents a significant stride towards this goal, with the potential to develop over 10,000 IRM-certified risk-intelligent graduates and professionals who will become champions in risk-based decision-making. IRM India Affiliate has also sanctioned INR 20 lakh worth of resources, including scholarships and continuous knowledge support, to ensure the centre’s success.
The centre will also address critical areas such as disaster risk, safety risk, cyber risk management, women and child safety risks and financial risks. According to recent statistics, East India has faced substantial challenges in these areas:
The support of Government and local bodies will be essential in these efforts, as they work together to enhance preparedness, resilience, and response capabilities. By fostering partnerships with government agencies and local organisations, the centre aims to build a safer and more secure environment for communities across East India.
“As the premier global body for ERM education, we recognise SSU's philosophy of fostering globally aware leaders, a vision that aligns closely with our own long-term goal of developing risk-intelligent professionals dedicated to building a resilient India and a stable world. Enterprise Risk Management covers all areas of risks from climate change, supply chain, artificial intelligence, fake news, wars, financial crisis, pandemics, disaster risk and frauds, and hence this collaboration is crucial at a time when countries, Governments, and organisations worldwide are contending with numerous external shocks and uncertainties.” said Hersh Shah, CEO, IRM India Affiliate who is also India’s Youngest ERM expert.
Prof. Rajita Kulkarni, President, Sri Sri University added “Establishing this centre aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and fostering innovation. We are thrilled to collaborate with a global organisation like IRM and take great pride in hosting India's first and only Centre of ERM in East India, a milestone achievement for Sri Sri University. At Sri Sri University, we are known for our pioneering efforts in education, and this is yet another significant step ahead in our journey towards excellence. Recognising the importance of ERM skills in the 21st century, this strategic move ensures that our students receive future relevant training and exposure, preparing them for Industry 5.0.”
IRM India Affiliate and its key university partners are emerging as pivotal contributors to nation-building by enhancing the country’s economic stability, social resilience, ethical governance, and sustainable development. With IRM India Affiliate in the process of establishing additional centres in the North, South and West regions, these will serve as beacons of excellence, fostering innovation and promoting best practices in ERM across India.
