Bangkok, July 4, 2025 —
Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak, has been conferred with the prestigious Distinguished Global Thought Leader Award 2025 at the 21st World Congress of the Academy of Global Business Advancement (AGBA). Held at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in Bangkok from July 2–4, this global event recognized Prof. Sharma’s exceptional contributions to academic leadership, research, and global management thought.
A Scholar with Global Impact
With over 250 scholarly publications and a dozen authored books, Prof. Sharma has continually pushed the boundaries of contemporary management thinking. His work has had a far-reaching influence across academia, industry, and public policy.
Launch of “The Power of Movies”
A highlight of the event was the official launch of Prof. Sharma’s new book, The Power of Movies, amidst a distinguished gathering of global academicians and thought leaders. The book explores the socio-cultural and psychological impact of cinema and resonated strongly with attendees. All available copies at the venue were sold out within hours, with many participants requesting signed editions. The response underscored both the relevance of the book’s theme and Prof. Sharma’s reputation as a scholar who seamlessly bridges theory and societal relevance.
Keynote Address: Cinema as a Cultural Catalyst
In a powerful keynote address, Prof. Sharma highlighted the transformative role of cinema in shaping public values, behavior, and discourse. Drawing from his book, he argued that:
“Cinema, in many ways, reflects the soul of a society. Through stories, characters, and visuals, it educates, inspires, and transforms. As scholars and educators, we must engage with popular culture to understand its impact on people and policymaking.”
Elaborating further, he introduced the psychological construct of the “ideal self,” stating:
“According to the theory of self, we have an ‘actual self’ and an ‘ideal self’. Marketers bridge this gap, but when the bridge gets too crowded, they redefine the ideal. Movies are instrumental in constructing this ‘ideal self’ for billions. This aspirational development fuels demand worth billions globally. Hence, cinema’s role warrants deeper scientific inquiry.”
A Call for Global Collaboration
Prof. Sharma also extended an open invitation to international scholars to engage with IIM Rohtak—one of India’s premier management institutions—either through research partnerships or as visiting faculty. His gesture reflected a forward-looking vision rooted in collaboration and global academic exchange.
21st AGBA World Congress: A Global Academic Milestone
The 21st edition of the AGBA World Congress witnessed participation from over 128 universities and 275+ research papers representing scholars from 33+ countries. Topics ranged from international business, strategic management, entrepreneurship, and CSR to emergent themes like ethical AI integration and sustainability in developing economies.
Global Voices at AGBA 2025
The conference featured renowned speakers, including:
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Dr. Kyle S. Wells, President, Utah Tech University (USA)
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Viput Ongaskul, Former Dean, National Institute of Development Administration (Thailand)
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Prof. Christopher J. Marquette, Millikin University, Illinois (USA)
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Prof. Hermann Lassleben, Germany
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Ha Minh Tri, International University of Vietnam
These global thought leaders shared perspectives on technological innovation, collaborative research, and enhancing international academic ties.
Conclusion
Prof. Dheeraj Sharma’s recognition as a Distinguished Global Thought Leader not only celebrates his scholarly achievements but also marks a proud moment for Indian academia on the world stage. His message—to critically engage with cultural mediums like cinema—resonates with scholars seeking to understand the nuanced forces shaping global societies.
