Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak, was awarded the “Distinguished Global Thought Leader Award 2025” at the 21st World Congress of the Academy of Global Business Advancement (AGBA), held recently in Bangkok.
The event, which brought together top scholars, researchers, and industry leaders from across the globe, recognised Prof. Sharma for his exceptional contributions to academic leadership and for shaping modern management thinking through his research and influence.
With over 250 published articles and a dozen authored books to his credit, Prof. Sharma continues to be a formidable voice in management education. His work is known for seamlessly bridging academic theory with real-world relevance—something that was on full display at the conference.
Launch of “The Power of Movies”
Adding to the celebratory note, Prof. Sharma also launched his much-anticipated book “The Power of Movies” during the congress. The book explores how cinema influences cultural identity, societal behaviour, and psychological development. Attendees were quick to connect with the theme, and all copies available at the venue sold out within hours of their release.
“Movies aren’t just entertainment,” said Prof. Sharma in his keynote address. “They help shape our ‘ideal self’, who we aspire to become, which in turn drives consumer behaviour and impacts global economies. Understanding cinema’s influence is vital for marketers, policymakers, and educators alike.”
He further explained how films shape public ideologies and steer societal values, making a case for why popular culture deserves scientific attention. His keynote struck a chord with attendees and further established his status as a forward-thinking academic leader.
Global Gathering of Ideas and Innovation
The three-day AGBA Congress (July 2–4, 2025) was hosted at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in Bangkok. It featured over 275 research papers representing more than 128 universities from 33+ countries. Discussions spanned topics such as international business, strategic management, AI in education, sustainable supply chains, and entrepreneurship.
Sessions included debates on AI tools like ChatGPT and how technologies are redefining traditional academic and business practices, conversations that resonate deeply with tech-focused readers and innovators alike.
Key speakers alongside Prof. Sharma included academic heavyweights such as Kyle S. Wells, President of Utah Tech University; Viput Ongaskul, former Dean at Thailand’s NIDA; and Christopher J. Marquette from Millikin University, USA, among others. Together, they spotlighted how technology, collaboration, and cultural context are transforming education and commerce.
An Open Invitation to Collaborate
In a forward-looking gesture, Prof. Sharma invited global scholars to collaborate with IIM Rohtak, either through research partnerships or by joining as visiting faculty. His call emphasised IIM Rohtak’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who are not just locally aware but globally oriented.
Disclaimer: Portions of this content were enhanced with the assistance of AI.
