“The transformation from ASBM to ASBM University – a standalone institute to a multi-dimensional university – is not a story of mere expansion, but of an evolving vision brought to life. It marks the realisation of an initial dream and the unveiling of broader educational horizons.”
Every institution has a history; a few have a purpose. The history of ASBM University is rooted in a dream, guided by a vision, and sustained by an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Many years ago, I was deeply inspired by Richard Bach’s celebrated book Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Its message that true growth begins when individuals dare to dream beyond limitations and strive for excellence beyond convention left a lasting impression on me. It reinforced my belief that education should empower young minds to discover their potential, challenge boundaries, and pursue greatness with courage and conviction.
After serving as a full Professor at the premier Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and later as Director of the Indian Institute of Bank Management (IIBM), established by the Reserve Bank of India, I chose to return to my home state of Odisha. My dream was to create an institution that would provide world-class education, nurture leadership, and open new horizons of opportunity for future generations.
This vision led to the establishment of the Asian School of Business Management (ASBM) in 2006. The institution was dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble Vice President of India. At a time when quality management education was largely concentrated in metropolitan India, ASBM was founded with a clear philosophy of Creating Leaders, not Mere Managers.
From the outset, we believed that education must go beyond academic excellence. It must foster leadership, innovation, ethical values, creativity, people skills, and social responsibility. Through a unique blend of academic rigour, industry engagement, experiential learning, and holistic personality development, ASBM earned recognition as a respected centre of excellence in management education.
The trust of all stakeholders – students, parents, faculty members, alumni, industry partners, and society at large – transformed a dream into a thriving institution. Recognising its academic achievements and contributions to higher education, the Government of Odisha conferred the University status on ASBM in 2019.
While ASBM University is young, it carries a strong legacy of excellence. The transition from the Asian School of Business Management to ASBM University was not merely a change of status; it was the natural evolution of a vision that had steadily grown in scope and impact. Today, the University combines the strength of its legacy with the dynamism of a multidisciplinary institution committed to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal development.
As we navigate an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and global interconnectedness, our mission remains unchanged – to nurture future-ready leaders who are professionally competent, ethically grounded, socially responsible, and globally relevant.
I urge my students to dream without fear, learn with passion, and lead with responsibility. I exhort them never to allow perceived limitations to define their aspirations like Jonathan Livingston Seagull. And I firmly assure the parents and stakeholders of our unwavering commitment to provide an environment that inspires excellence, nurtures character and prepares young minds to make meaningful contributions to society.
Together, let us continue this journey of learning, leadership, innovation, and nation-building.
Prof. Biswajeet Pattanayak
Founder & President, ASBM University