IIM Nagpur concludes Executive Programme for Forest Officers

The training emphasized the importance of effective stakeholder communication, particularly with local communities, NGOs, and public representatives, in ensuring sustainable forest management.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur has completed a five-day residential Executive Education Programme titled “Training of Master Trainers on Effective Communication Skills for Frontline Foresters of Maharashtra.” This high-impact initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra, aimed to enhance communication competencies among frontline forest officers.

Led by Program Directors Professor Anoop Kumar and Professor Deepmala Baghel, the training served as a capacity-building platform for 27 selected forest officers at the DFO, ACF, and RFO levels, who were nominated by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Maharashtra.

IIM Nagpur Forest Training Programme 2025: Developing Master Trainers for Field-Level Impact

These officers were designated as Master Trainers and underwent intensive, research-driven sessions designed to empower them to train frontline foresters across Maharashtra’s forest circles. These frontline personnel are critical in the areas of afforestation, wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation, and enforcement of environmental laws including the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

The training emphasized the importance of effective stakeholder communication, particularly with local communities, NGOs, and public representatives, in ensuring sustainable forest management.

Curriculum Focus: Communication, Emotional Intelligence & Crisis Response

The programme’s curriculum, developed by IIM Nagpur’s expert faculty, centered around:

•  Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
•  Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
•  Crisis Behavior and Conflict Resolution
•  Reflective Listening and Public Engagement
•  Team and Interpersonal Skills
•  Building Trust Among Stakeholders

The sessions were designed to simulate real-life challenges in forest governance and promote proactive, transparent communication practices.

Notable Inauguration and Keynote Addresses by Senior Officials

The programme commenced with an inaugural session led by Shomita Biswas, IFS (1988 batch), PCCF & HoFF, Maharashtra, alongside Professor Prashant Gupta, Dean of Faculty and Alumni Affairs, IIM Nagpur.

The keynote address was delivered by Pravin Pardeshi, Chief Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and CEO of MAITRA. He stressed the urgent need for forest officers to build communication bridges with diverse social and interest groups.

Senior Forest Experts & IIM Faculty Lead Immersive Learning Sessions

Throughout the programme, participants benefited from thought-provoking lectures and interactive case-based workshops conducted by:

•  Sunil Limaye, Senior Forest Official
•  N.B. Majumdar
•  Ravindra Wankhede
• Kalyan Kumar
•  Rakesh Ranjan
• Sreelaxmi, Forest Department

The training combined real-world leadership scenarios with theoretical frameworks to deliver an enriching learning experience.

Director Interaction and Valedictory Insights on Media & Transparency

Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, interacted with the officers during a special session followed by a networking dinner, fostering cross-departmental collaboration.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session addressed by Shri Rahul Pande, Senior Journalist and Chief Information Commissioner, who emphasized the role of media transparency and public communication in governance.

Group Presentations Showcase Practical Learnings and Strategy

In the closing session, five participant groups presented case studies on communication gaps and solutions within the forest department. Their presentations highlighted field-level challenges and offered actionable strategies to improve information flow, stakeholder alignment, and departmental outreach.

Empowering Forest Leadership for Future-Ready Governance

This flagship initiative by IIM Nagpur and the Maharashtra Forest Department marks a significant move toward strengthening leadership capacity at the grassroots level. It underscores the need for skill-building in communication, leadership, and collaboration to meet the growing challenges in environmental governance and forest conservation. For executive development programs, visit www.iimnagpur.ac.in. 

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