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The Industry Connect & OST Competition was successfully organized by the School of Business and Management (MBA), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, on 15 December 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Auditorium, Management Block. The event was conceptualized as a blended academic–industry engagement platform, aimed at strengthening experiential learning through interaction with industry professionals and competitive student participation.

The program commenced with a silent moment, seeking blessings for the smooth conduct of the event. This was followed by a formal welcome address by the anchor, who extended greetings to all dignitaries, faculty members, and MBA students present.  

The highlight of the program was the presence of two distinguished industry professionals: Mr. Mrunall Taambe, Promoter Director, Maantra Multiservices LLP & Satvik Foods, and Mr. Rikin Renny Mampilly, Account Manager, Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd., who is also a proud alumnus of the institution. Their participation reinforced the objective of strengthening industry–academia linkage and inspiring students through real-world professional journeys.

A brief introduction of the guest speakers emphasized their industry experience, entrepreneurial insight, and relevance to management education. The alumni connect segment was particularly meaningful, as it demonstrated the institution’s strong alumni network and its role in mentoring current students. The speakers shared informal interactions and insights, which helped students relate academic learning to industry expectations.

An engaging and unique segment of the program was the musical performance by the guest, which added a creative and human touch to the event. This segment contributed to building a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging student engagement and participation.

Following this, the OST Competition was conducted, serving as the core academic activity of the event. The competition provided a platform for students to demonstrate their analytical ability, presentation skills, professional communication, and application of theoretical knowledge. Participants showcased their understanding of organizational structure, departmental roles, internship exposure, and key learning outcomes, aligning closely with program learning objectives.

The competition format ensured active participation, time discipline, and clarity of thought. Students were evaluated on predefined criteria, including content relevance, presentation skills, confidence, and professional conduct. The presence of industry experts as observers and evaluators enhanced the credibility of the competition and provided students with constructive feedback from a practitioner’s perspective.

The alumni interaction session offered valuable insights into industry trends, workplace expectations, career planning, and skill development. Alumni shared their professional journeys, challenges faced in the corporate environment, and strategies for career growth. The session was highly interactive, allowing students to seek guidance on internships, placements, and higher studies, thereby strengthening alumni–student engagement.

The OST competition evaluated students on their analytical thinking, presentation skills, communication ability, and professional attitude. Participants presented their internship and organizational learning experiences within the stipulated time, followed by a question-and-answer round assessed by external judges. The competition encouraged students to think on their feet, articulate ideas confidently, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Overall, the Industry Connect & OST Competition successfully met its objectives of fostering experiential learning, enhancing industry exposure, and promoting professional competence among MBA students. The event also aligned with SDG 4 – Quality Education, by promoting inclusive, practical, and skill-oriented learning experiences.