Real Icon

IIM Calcutta had organized a session with iconic luminaries who overcame significant hurdles in life for an inspirational lecture series - Real Icons of Change. The first session of the series was held on September 27, 2013 at the Institute’s auditorium. The speakers were Lt. Cdr Abhilash Tomy, first Indian, second Asian and seventy-ninth in the world to circumnavigate the globe, solo, non-stop, unassisted and under sail and Arunima Sinha, first Indian amputee to climb Mount Everest.

Naval pilot Lt Cdr Abhilash travelled around the world alone, non - stop and without taking any assistance during his voyage. He started this historic journey on 1st Nov 2012 and returned after 5 months. This journey was true test of competence, bravery, resilience and the will to conquer. It brought prestige to the nation. It was an important chapter to enrich the fine maritime traditions of India.

Arunima, the former national-level volleyball player, who lost a leg after being thrown off a moving train, climbed her way into history books by becoming the first Indian amputee to conquer Mount Everest. She climbed it on 1st April 2013, took 52 days to reach the summit.

Real Icons of Change was conceived and produced by Social Access Communications and the initiative was taken up by IIM Calcutta’s Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). The aim of the initiative is to reach out to leaders of tomorrow as well as those who accomplished spectacular achievements through high levels of personal endeavor.