At its core, ISDM was created to bridge a critical gap by complementing the efforts of government and other stakeholders, recognizing that while business and public systems benefit from well-established management disciplines, the social sector has historically had limited access to a similarly structured framework tailored to its unique complexity and context. Over the past decade, ISDM has worked tirelessly to build this foundation, developing leadership, strengthening organizations, and catalyzing a broader ecosystem for Development Management. The anniversary evening brought together ISDM’s extended community of founders, trustees, alumni, partners, and sector leaders to reflect on the institution’s journey, its growing influence, and the road ahead.
The comprehensive programme featured reflections from key stakeholders associated with ISDM’s journey alongside a special showcase of its milestones, a musical performance by Manzil Mystics, and the premiere of a film capturing the institution’s evolution over the last decade. Speaking on the milestone, Ravi Sreedharan, Founder of ISDM, stated that ten years ago, ISDM was founded on a simple but urgent belief that India’s development challenges require not just intent, but strong, thoughtful management. He noted that over the years, that belief has only strengthened as alumni and partners demonstrate what becomes possible when leadership is grounded in both rigor and empathy. Sreedharan emphasized that this anniversary is a moment of gratitude and responsibility, noting that the next decade calls on the institution to expand its reach, strengthen the discipline of Development Management, and build institutions that can carry impact further, deeper, and longer.
A key highlight of the evening was the unveiling of ISDM’s renewed brand identity, reflecting both its evolution and its ambition for the future. Today, ISDM defines its role through a sharper narrative: “Preparing purpose-driven professionals to lead India’s social sector, supported by a rigorous, practice-led discipline of Development Management.” This new identity is anchored in its mission to create leaders for organizations driving India’s social development. Since its inception, ISDM has grown into a national platform for leadership development in the social sector, boasting eight plus graduating cohorts of its flagship Post Graduate Programme in Development Management and over 475 alumni working across NGOs, foundations, social enterprises, and policy institutions.
The institution’s impact is further bolstered by more than 75 practitioners and academics contributing as faculty and mentors, alongside multiple research initiatives and sector reports shaping leadership and organizational practice. ISDM also provides leadership programmes for social purpose leaders, women leaders, CSR professionals, and philanthropists. Beyond individual programmes, ISDM has played a critical role in advancing Development Management as a distinct discipline, integrating management science, public policy, social theory, and field practice to strengthen how organizations in the sector are led.
Reflecting on ISDM’s next phase, Ashish Dhawan, Founder and CEO of The Convergence Foundation, remarked that ISDM’s journey over the last ten years is a powerful reminder that real change begins with investing in people who combine competence with deep conviction. Dhawan highlighted that through its programs, ISDM has nurtured leaders who are choosing to work where they are needed most, creating meaningful impact across the country. He noted that as the alumni network expands and the ecosystem matures, the next decade holds immense potential for ISDM to deepen its influence and catalyze a stronger, more resilient development sector in India. As ISDM looks ahead, it remains focused on three interconnected priorities: strengthening leadership development, advancing Development Management as a field, and building organizational capacity across the ecosystem. The evening concluded with a shared call to action, inviting the broader ISDM community to continue building a stronger, more capable social sector for India.
About The Author
Comment List