Shillong ( Meghalaya) , July 4 : IIM Shillong commemorated its 16th Inaugural Day today , July 4, 2023. Over the past 15 years IIM Shillong has emerged as a prominent institution in the field of management education and research, earning accolades and establishing strong collaborations with international universities and business schools.
The 16th Inaugural Day celebration featured a plantation drive led by the students and attended by various stakeholders. The event was attended by Padma Shri Jadav Payeng, widely known as the Forest Man of India. In his inaugural speech, Payeng emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the need to educate young children about the significance of planting and nurturing trees. He envisioned children becoming ambassadors in the global movement to recreate a sustainable environment for a live able planet Earth. Payeng passionately expressed that parents entrust their children to nature’s care, as it provides essential elements such as oxygen, sunlight, and more, nurturing them into worthy human beings. He urged the government to implement necessary measures to ban air rifles, thereby preventing the killing of birds. Several states have already taken action in this regard.
Payeng highlighted that the Molai forest, which he initiated 42 years ago, now serves as a home to 115 elephants, tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, and other wildlife. The forest attracts 80% of Indian migratory birds. His dream project of connecting the Molai forest with Kaziranga National Park, a 60- kilometer stretch, is currently in progress, furthering the cause of conservation and biodiversity.
Jadav Payeng advocates Planting Sandalwood Trees for Environmental and Economic Benefits. Payeng also highlighted the importance of planting sandalwood trees for their environmental and economic value. Drawing examples from countries like China and Taiwan, Payeng emphasized the need for India to increase its focus on cultivating sandalwood trees, known for their high value. He urged India, with its rich biodiversity and favorable climatic conditions, to also embrace sandalwood plantation as a sustainable and economically viable initiative.
Prof D P Goyal, the Director of IIM Shillong, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants of the Plantation Drive during his welcome address at the 16th Inaugural Day celebration. He extended his congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the growth and development of IIM Shillong since its inception.
In an important announcement, Prof Goyal declared that July 4th would be celebrated as Inaugural Day every year at IIM Shillong, with a special emphasis on conducting a Plantation Drive. This initiative aims to foster a deep sense of responsibility towards nature and the environment among the institute’s community.
Prof Goyal urged all members of the IIM Shillong fraternity, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders, to actively participate in and contribute to the Plantation Drive. He emphasized the importance of individuals' collective efforts in preserving and enhancing the environment for a sustainable future. Prof Goyal, extended his sincere appreciation to the State Forest Department for their invaluable support and cooperation in making the Plantation Drive a success.
The Plantation Drive received an overwhelming response from delegates, with some even bringing fruit trees from their own collections to contribute to the campus’s greenery. The event, graced by distinguished delegates and stakeholders, witnessed a collective effort to enhance the natural environment at IIM Shillong. Their contribution added a unique touch to the Plantation Drive, as a variety of fruit trees were planted across the campus. The gesture not only symbolizes the delegates commitment to environmental conservation but also showcases their support for IIM Shillong’s vision of creating a live able and sustainable planet. The presence of these delegates and their contribution to the Plantation Drive further strengthens the ties between IIM Shillong and the wider community. IIM Shillong expresses its deepest appreciation to the delegates for their invaluable contributions.
Since its inception as the 7th IIM of the country in 2007, IIM Shillong has achieved notable milestones, including winning, in esteemed corporate competitions such as Wipro Earthian College, Oreal BrandStorm, Mahindra WarRoom, CFA Ethics Challenge, CRISIL, HSBC, and Deloitte Consulting, among others. These achievements have positioned IIM Shillong graduates as significant contributors in the corporate world, with over 2,050 alumni making their mark globally.
The institute has also made substantial contributions to policy research and analysis through centers like the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis and the Centre for Development of North Eastern Region (CEDNER). IIM Shillong’s commitment to outreach and inclusivity has secured its position as one of the top institutions in the country. The 16th Inaugural Day of IIM Shillong concluded with a commitment to environmental sustainability and a shared vision of creating a greener and more live able planet for future generations.
