Prof. Sharma’s acclaimed book “The Power of Movies” launched to enthusiastic reception at the 21st AGBA World Congress in Bangkok, cementing his global influence on management thought.
Bangkok, Thailand – July 7, 2025:Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak, has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Global Thought Leader Award 2025 at the 21st World Congress of the Academy of Global Business Advancement (AGBA), recognizing his exemplary academic leadership, impactful research, and influential contributions to contemporary management thinking worldwide.
Prof. Sharma, a prolific scholar with over 250 published articles and a dozen books, also launched his much-anticipated book, “The Power of Movies,” during the conference. The book explores the socio-cultural and psychological influence of cinema and was met with overwhelming enthusiasm—selling out all copies available at the venue within hours, as participants eagerly sought signed editions. This reception underscored both the book’s timely relevance and Prof. Sharma’s stature as a thought leader who bridges academia and societal discourse.
The 21st AGBA World Congress, held July 2–4, 2025, at Bangkok’s Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel, attracted over 275 research papers from scholars representing more than 33 countries and over 128 universities, along with a dozen non-academic institutions. The event served as a premier platform for cutting-edge research and discussions on key areas such as international business, strategic management, marketing, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, and the ethical integration of AI technologies.
Delivering a keynote address upon receiving the honor, Prof. Sharma emphasized the profound impact of cinema in shaping societal values, influencing behavior, and steering public discourse.
> “Cinema reflects the soul of society. Through stories, characters, and visuals, it educates, inspires, and transforms. As scholars, we must engage with popular culture to understand its influence on people and policymaking,” Prof. Sharma stated.
Drawing on his book’s thesis, Prof. Sharma explained how cinema plays a pivotal role in shaping the “ideal self”, a concept central to consumer behavior and marketing:
> “Movies develop the ideal self for billions globally, fueling demand for products and services worth billions of dollars. The power of movies demands scientific investigation.”
In a gesture reflecting his commitment to global collaboration, Prof. Sharma invited the international academic community to visit IIM Rohtak, encouraging scholars to join as visiting faculty and contribute to nurturing globally aware, inquisitive future leaders.
The Congress also featured distinguished speakers including Kyle S. Wells, President of Utah Tech University (USA); Viput Ongaskul, former Dean of the National Institute of Development Administration (Thailand); Christopher J. Marquette of Millikin University (USA); Prof. Hermann Lassleben (Germany); and Ha Minh Tri from the International University of Vietnam. Their addresses explored technology’s role in academic advancement, the importance of cross-border research, and strategies to enhance global trade and communication.