Bengaluru: Long-term transformation does not come from big-ticket projects or one-off policy decisions, but from a series of small, consistent decisions that survive electoral cycles, Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said Saturday.Speaking at the 10th edition of IIMBue 2026, IIM-B’s alumni leadership conclave, Abdullah said: “Too many of us politicians don’t look beyond the next election cycle,” arguing that govts tend to prioritise headline-grabbing announcements and manifesto promises. “The change of orbit happens when the smaller decisions are taken care of — the decisions that don’t get you headline news.”Abdullah, who spoke at length about Jammu & Kashmir’s development trajectory, said govt’s role was not merely to build infrastructure but to create predictable and transparent institutions that encourage people to take risks, invest and build enterprises. “Confidence, in this sense, is productive infrastructure,” he said, adding that predictable administrative decisions, transparent processes and reliable public services cumulatively build trust.“Geography shapes what is possible. It does not decide destiny. History shapes our circumstances. It does not imprison our future,” Abdullah said, pointing out that historically, the state produced better human development outcomes despite its difficult terrain, dispersed settlements, high transport costs and limited industrialisation.Abdullah said Jammu & Kashmir should not attempt to replicate Bengaluru’s economic structure, but should identify areas where its own strengths could create distinctive opportunities.Prof Dinesh Kumar, director-in charge, IIM Bangalore, reiterated plans to admit undergraduate students through the newly established Gorur Ratan Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, supported by a grant from Tata Trusts and the first overseas campus in Indonesia.The two-day conclave is being attended by over 1,500 alumni.
