On August 31, 2025, IIM Bodh Gaya, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), organized a Heritage Walk at the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event was part of the Orientation Programme for the institute’s fifth batch of undergraduate students enrolling in the Integrated Programme in Management. More than 200 students participated in the walk, which aimed to sensitize them to the cultural and historical significance of Bodh Gaya. The objective was to provide students with an appreciation of heritage as an integral part of society, with the expected outcome of promoting awareness of history, community, and values that shape responsible leadership.

The walk was led by three distinguished experts. Dr. Manish Sinha, Convenor of INTACH’s Gaya Chapter, guided students through the architectural plan of the Mahabodhi complex and explained the engravings on the temple walls, highlighting their symbolic connections to Buddhist philosophy and practice. Dr. Arvind Mahajan, former Deputy Director at the Directorate of Museums, Government of Bihar, elaborated on the sculptures and artefacts within the temple premises, offering insights into their historical contexts and their role in establishing Bodh Gaya as a global spiritual centre. Dr. Shanker Sharma, who was closely involved in the restoration of the Mahabodhi Temple, spoke about the preservation efforts undertaken to safeguard the temple’s architectural and spiritual legacy, detailing the challenges faced in maintaining the authenticity of a living heritage site.

By exploring the temple’s pathways and listening to these narratives, the students experienced Bodh Gaya’s living traditions in a meaningful way. The Heritage Walk reinforced IIM Bodh Gaya’s commitment to learning beyond classrooms by connecting management education with cultural roots, civic awareness, and community values.