Bridging military experience and corporate governance
The intensive programme addressed a growing demand to leverage defence leadership in civilian boardrooms. Over 35 specialised sessions covered corporate governance frameworks, regulatory provisions, financial stewardship, audit committee functions, enterprise risk management, CSR and sustainable governance practices.
In his welcome address, Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO of IICA, said defence officers possess strategic thinking, disciplined decision-making, risk-assessment experience and an ethical framework that makes them well-suited to serve as independent directors and impartial voices in corporate governance.
Expert inputs and practical learning
The programme combined classroom lectures, case studies, interactive sessions with practising independent directors and experiential learning. Dr. K P Krishnan — former Cabinet Secretary and Distinguished Fellow at the Isaac Centre for Public Policy — provided insights into fiduciary duties and the balancing role independent directors play in protecting minority shareholders and other stakeholders.
Sessions emphasised real-world boardroom scenarios, financial statement analysis, audit oversight and evolving regulatory requirements under the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI LODR norms. Participants engaged with experienced practitioners on the nuances of sector domains and board effectiveness.
Pathway to registration and continued support
The certification equips officers to register with the Independent Directors’ Databank (IDDB), an initiative managed by IICA under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. IDDB currently lists over 35,000 registered independent directors, enabling employers to tap a vetted talent pool for board appointments.
IICA officials underscored ongoing support through continued education and networking opportunities to help participants transition effectively into corporate roles while preserving their core values of service and integrity.
Leadership perspectives and policy relevance
Delivering the inaugural note, Dr. K P Krishnan highlighted that independent directors act as custodians for stakeholders lacking representation and urged participants to apply their people-management and resource-optimisation experience to corporate governance responsibilities. The keynote by Smt. Sukriti Likhi, Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, reinforced the partnership’s strategic value in creating career pathways for ex-defence personnel.
Organising Secretary Dr. S.S. Rathore called on media and industry to amplify the programme’s outcomes so corporate India benefits from this expanding reservoir of governance-ready leaders.
Curriculum that mirrors boardroom demands
The curriculum emphasised enterprise risk management, audit committee roles, corporate social responsibility and ESG integration. Practical modules addressed the transition from military hierarchies to collaborative board dynamics and the soft skills needed for stakeholder engagement and ethical oversight.
Programme coordinators — Dr. Niraj Gupta and Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti — ensured that sessions blended theoretical rigour with experiential insights from public and private sector leaders, making the training relevant for participation in both corporate and government boards.
Strategic implications for corporate India
This initiative represents a deliberate effort to diversify the independent director pool by harnessing defence sector strengths — discipline, impartiality and strategic decision-making. As Indian corporates navigate complex governance and risk landscapes, the infusion of defence-trained professionals can strengthen board accountability and stakeholder trust.
