Chennai, 12 October 2026: The Madras Management Association (MMA) hosted the 25th MMA All-India Management Students’ Convention 2026, marking the Silver Jubilee edition of its flagship student convention, at Valluvar Kottam Auditorium, Chennai. Held under the theme “Future-Ready Leadership: Reinventing Management for a Changing World,” the day-long convention brought together management students and distinguished leaders from industry, entrepreneurship and professional services to explore the capabilities, skills and mindsets needed to lead in a rapidly changing business environment.
Leadership insights for a changing world
The convention opened with a keynote address by Ms Sai Sudha Chandrasekaran, Alpha Alternatives and former CEO of the India Fintech Foundation. Mr Mithun Sacheti, Founder of CaratLane and Partner at Q Partners – Axana Estates, delivered the inaugural address, drawing on his entrepreneurial journey to highlight innovation, resilience and the importance of creating value.
Across four thematic sessions, speakers and panellists examined the realities of moving from campus to startup, transforming organisations in an AI-driven world, building future-ready careers, and leading adaptively through change and uncertainty. Leaders representing organisations including Agnikul Cosmos, Sweet Karam Coffee, Raptee.HV, Saint-Gobain India, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, Marsh, Cyient, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, MongoDB, CavinKare and Lightspeed India shared perspectives on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, employability, leadership presence and organisational transformation.
“Chanakya – The Mastermind” grand finale
A key highlight was the grand finale of “Chanakya – The Mastermind,” MMA’s flagship competition to identify the Best Management Student of the Year 2026. Following a multi-stage selection process, ten finalists competed on stage, demonstrating their analytical ability, decision-making, innovation, communication and critical-thinking skills.
[Insert winner’s name and institution after confirmation] was named the Best Management Student of the Year 2026 and received the ₹1,00,000 cash prize.
Valedictory session and awards
Mr Shyam Srinivasan, Senior Advisor and Operating Partner at TVS Capital Funds and former Managing Director of Federal Bank, delivered the valedictory address. He emphasised the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and responsible leadership in navigating a dynamic business environment. The session concluded with the presentation of awards to the winners of Chanakya – The Mastermind and the other management competitions held as part of the convention.
A milestone edition
Gp Capt R Vijayakumar (Retd), Executive Director, MMA, said: “The Silver Jubilee Convention has been a grand success, reflected in the quality of the speakers, the depth and relevance of the discussions, and the enthusiastic participation of management students. The insights shared today reinforce the importance of preparing young managers to learn continuously, adapt confidently and lead responsibly in a changing world.”
Through this Silver Jubilee edition, MMA reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing emerging management talent and connecting students with industry perspectives, practical learning and the leadership challenges shaping the future of business.
About Madras Management Association
The Madras Management Association (MMA) is a not-for-profit management association committed to promoting management excellence and leadership development through knowledge sharing, professional development and engagement with industry, academia and the wider management community.
For media enquiries
Gp Capt R Vijayakumar (Retd), VSM
Executive Director, Madras Management Association
Tel: 044–28291133 / 044–28291166
Email: mma@mmachennai.org