(Early experimental designs of IIMA logo (A, B, C) alongside the current IIMA logo (D)

A. 33 x 22.5 cm, B. 30 x 16.5 cm, C. 7.5 x 12.5 cm, D. 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Harvard Business School Baker Library Collection

The trials shown here, Lintas, the advertising arm of Hindustan Lever, was asked to develop a design based on a window of the Sidi Saiyyed mosque, Ahmedabad. This was adopted on July 1, 1964. 'Vidyaviniyogadvikasah' (application of knowledge for development), a motto proposed by Professor H. N. Pathak, was added in 1967.

(Cover of first institutional bulletin)

13.4 x 20.5 cm
IIMA, 310, Camp Road, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad-4
1963, IIMA Archives

For the first few years, IIMA brought out an annual 'catalogue' (prospectus) a few months before the academic year began. The 41-page first volume, brought out in 1963, had information for July 1964 to March 1965-faculty names, course descriptions, academic calendar, etc...

(Letter seeking Kasturbhai Lalbhai's advice on Ford Foundation's championing of UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) and further discussions with Harvard)

20.8 x 27.6 cm
Vikram Sarabhai
MIT, Massachusetts
May 9, 1961
IIMA Archives

John R. Coleman, Ford Foundation, New Delhi, had written a letter dated April 29, 1961 stating that partnering with UCLA was a 'final' decision, after he realized that Vikram Sarabhai had reached out to Harvard. Sarabhai argued for the Institute's right to determine who its partner should be. Ultimately, IIMA partnered with HBS.

(Telegram informing Dr. Jivraj Mehta of Harvard's approval of IIMA project)

21.3 x 20 cm
Douglas Ensminger
Ford Foundation Office, 32 Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-1
May 28, 1962
IIMA Archives

The formal approval from Harvard of the partnership with IIMA was the conclusion of a long process that included visits by IIMA leaders to Harvard and Harvard professors to Ahmedabad, and extensive discussions among IIMA, Harvard and the Ford Foundation.

(Clearance for public announcement regarding grants to IIMs)

21 x 28 cm
Douglas Ensminger
Ford Foundation Office, 32 Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-1
September 26, 1963
IIMA Archives

Before publishing an announcement on the final instalment of USD 300,000 out of a USD 1,334,000 grant to IIM Calcutta, Douglas Ensminger wanted Vikram Sarabhai to approve a brief paragraph in the announcement that referred to IIMA.