The 5th Ranjit Kumar Dutta Leadership Lecture was successfully held at the Rangghar Auditorium of Dibrugarh University on 2nd April, 2026, bringing together an esteemed gathering of academicians, industry leaders, students, and distinguished guests. The event was organized by the Centre for Management Studies, Dibrugarh University (CMSDU). The Ranjit Kumar Dutta Leadership Lecture series commemorates the legacy of Shri R K Dutta, an iconic leader in India’s oil and gas sector, particularly in the North East. He was a visionary who led the establishment of Numaligarh Refinery Limited under the Assam Accord and later served as the CMD of Oil India Limited, Late Dutta was known for his pioneering contributions across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. His enduring legacy of innovation, professional excellence, and nation-building continues to inspire generations.
The lecture was delivered by Shri Bijan Kumar Dey (IPS Retd.), a distinguished former civil servant who retired as Secretary to the Government of India. With a career spanning nearly four decades in the Indian Police Service, Shri Dey has held several key positions including Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, and Director General & Inspector General of Police, Meghalaya. An alumnus of the University of Reading (UK) and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, he continues to contribute to public life through various advisory and leadership roles, including at IIM, Shillong and Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong.
In his address, Mr. Dey shared valuable insights on leadership, governance, and public service, drawing from his vast administrative experience. He emphasized integrity, adaptability, and commitment to nation-building as essential pillars of effective leadership, inspiring the large student audience present. He touched on the importance of leadership in India in the context of high expectations of its citizens. He deliberated on leadership roles caused by unforeseen circumstances / events; leadership roles through grooming / growth in the organizational structure; and leadership roles by way of unconventional channels by referring to a galaxy of Indian leaders many of whom he knew personally.
Prof. Pratim Barua, Chairperson of CMSDU earlier delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the session. The programme was graced by the Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University, Prof. Jiten Hazarika, who addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of such a lecture series in nurturing future leaders by bridging academic learning with real-world experience. He also gave a brief on the Late R K Dutta. Prof. Ajanta Borgohain Rajkonwar, Vice Chancellor, Assam Women’s University added grace to the event by being in the dais and addressing the gathering.
The Bhubaneswar Barman Memorial Award for 2025 was presented coinciding with the event to Ms. Manjeeta Kachari, a 2023 MBA (FT) batch student of the Centre who was the topper amongst girls for her batch at the Centre.
The lecture witnessed an enthusiastic participation of more than 425 attendees, comprising primarily of students from the Centre for Management Studies and also from other Departments/Centres of the University., Students from two other institutions of Dibrugarh, Dr. R K School of Arts, Commerce & Science and Shiksha Valley School also attended. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Pranjal Changmai, MD of BCPL, Mr. Manoj Jalan, Director of Jalan Industries as well as other prominent citizens of Dibrugarh. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri S. K. Barua, former Managing Director of Numaligarh Refinery Limited and the principal donor of the endowment fund supporting this prestigious lecture series.
