The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on 7 November 2024. Over the years, the seventh IIM of the country has differentiated itself quite uniquely. The first and the only IIM in the north-eastern part of the country, it has embedded sustainability as its core thrust area.
Among the accolades IIM Shillong has received is the accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which has recognised its commitment to quality education and sustainability. Moreover, the institute is a signatory to the UN’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), demonstrating its commitment to responsible management education.
“In this rapidly-changing scenario, we need leaders who, apart from being agile, sincerely believe in pursuing businesses in a more responsible and sustainable manner,” says D.P. Goyal, director, IIM Shillong. “At IIM Shillong, we design our programmes and courses around these values, nurturing a more holistic approach among our students and faculty members. In fact, we have indeed differentiated ourselves by emphasising sustainability in our curriculum, research and practices”.
While providing insights into the institution’s growth trajectory (noting the establishment of its state-of-the-art campus, which now accommodates 900 students) during his Foundation Day ceremony address, Goyal underscored the institute’s progress in developing innovative educational practices and facilities that reflect IIM Shillong’s commitment to excellence and relevance in an ever-evolving world. The Foundation Day ceremony themed ‘Shaping Futures, Serving Humanity’ highlighted IIM Shillong’s journey from its establishment in 2007 to its current position as a prestigious management institute in Northeast India.
Focus on cultural integrity
In his address, Shishir Kumar Bajoria, chairman, board of governors, IIM Shillong, reinforced the institute’s dedication to serving the Northeast. He emphasised IIM Shillong’s vision of becoming a globally respected institution that remains firmly grounded in Indian values and culture. “This focus on cultural integrity and regional service forms a cornerstone of IIM Shillong’s approach, distinguishing it from other premier management institutes in India,” Bajoria added.
The Foundation Day event was graced by notable figures, including C.H. Vijayashankar, governor, Meghalaya, and industry leaders such as Ashish Kumar Chauhan, CEO, National Stock Exchange (NSE). The ceremony also saw the unveiling of three major initiatives by the governor, highlighting IIM Shillong’s ongoing commitment to value-based management education and community engagement.
Among the initiatives, the Nurturing Minds School Adoption will see IIM Shillong partner with two schools in the East Khasi Hills District – Quidotto Memorial RCLP School and Mawkasiang Umroh Presbyterian Secondary School. This programme aims to create a sustainable impact on the learning environment, empower students, support teachers, and strengthen community ties.
In collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), IIM Shillong launched a second initiative – the Skill to Enterprise Model (STEM), which will provide training, mentoring and financial assistance to 30 businesses in the Northeast, fostering entrepreneurship and the growth of local ventures. And, then, the Northeast Enterprise Empowerment Venture (NEEV), the third initiative, focusses on local engagement, supporting community enterprises, and addressing critical regional challenges such as climate change, migration, and livelihood sustainability.
The Foundation Day event also included two insightful panel discussions that explored the future of management education in an era defined by rapid change and uncertainty. The first panel, titled: Developing agile leaders – rethinking management education for a disruptive and uncertain world, featured the NSE CEO and Bajoria. Moderated by Rohit Dwivedi, professor at the institute, the panel delved into the evolving demands of leadership in today’s complex business environment.
The second panel discussion focussed on Future of work: management education and industry expectations,” gathering prominent industry professionals including Bhasmang V. Mankodi, executive director, Morgan Stanley; Ankit Bhargava, CEO, Foxberry Technologies; and Asit Jain, MD, Mahavir Beverages. Moderated by Atul Kulkarni, member, board of governors, IIM Shillong, the panel explored strategies for preparing students to meet the changing demands of the workforce.