ROHTAK: Prof. Dheeraj P. Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, was honored with the prestigious AGBA 2026 Distinguished Innovative Academic Leader Award at the 22nd World Congress of the Academy for the Advancement of Global Business (AGBA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The award, considered one of AGBA’s highest recognitions, was presented in recognition of Prof Sharma’s significant contributions to business education, research and academic leadership. The honor was conferred during the opening ceremony of the three-day global congress, which brought together delegates from 22 countries, 104 universities and many international organizations.A major highlight of the event was the international launch of Prof. Sharma’s book, Understanding Indian Youth: Gen Z Propensities. The book explores the aspirations, values ​​and behavioral characteristics of India’s Generation Z and examines how this emerging demographic is influencing education, business and society.Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sharma emphasized the importance of understanding the younger generations in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing world. He noted that Generation Z is highly informed, digitally connected and driven by experiences, purpose and flexibility rather than traditional career paths and long-term commitments.The AGBA World Congress, which will be held from July 2 to 4, is co-hosted by IIM Rohtak in collaboration with leading international universities. The conference is focused on the theme “Business development and entrepreneurship in a globalized and digitized era.”The opening sessions featured discussions on the impact of global uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts on business sentiment, while participants also explored opportunities to strengthen entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism in an increasingly complex global environment.
