Forest Man of India envisions a sustainable environment at IIM Shillong Inaugural Day Celebration

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 5, 2023

Padma Shri Jadav Payeng, also known as the Forest Man of India, graced the 16th Inaugural Day celebration of IIM Shillong on Tuesday. The event featured a plantation drive led by students and attended by various stakeholders.

Over the past 15 years, IIM Shillong has gained prominence as an institution for management education and research, earning recognition and establishing collaborations with international universities and business schools.

In his speech, Payeng emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the need to educate children about planting and nurturing trees. He envisioned children becoming ambassadors for a sustainable environment. Payeng highlighted that parents entrust their children to the care of nature, which provides essential elements like oxygen and sunlight, nurturing them into valuable individuals. He also urged the government to ban air rifles to prevent bird killings, pointing out that several states have already taken action in this regard.

Payeng drew attention to the Molai forest, which he initiated 42 years ago and is now home to 115 elephants, tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, and various other wildlife species. The forest also attracts 80% of Indian migratory birds. He mentioned his ongoing project to connect the Molai forest with Kaziranga National Park, spanning a 60-kilometer stretch, which aims to further conservation and biodiversity efforts.

Furthermore, Payeng advocated for the cultivation of sandalwood trees due to their environmental and economic value. He emphasized the need for India to focus on increasing the cultivation of sandalwood trees, which are known for their high value. Payeng encouraged India, with its rich biodiversity and favorable climatic conditions, to embrace sandalwood plantations as a sustainable and economically viable initiative.

Prof D P Goyal, the Director of IIM Shillong, expressed gratitude to the participants of the Plantation Drive in his welcome address. He announced that July 4th would be celebrated as Inaugural Day every year, with a special emphasis on conducting a Plantation Drive. This initiative aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards nature and the environment. Prof Goyal urged all members of the IIM Shillong community to actively participate in and contribute to the Plantation Drive, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in preserving and enhancing the environment for a sustainable future. He also appreciated the support and cooperation of the State Forest Department.

The Plantation Drive received an overwhelming response from delegates, with some bringing fruit trees from their own collections. The event showcased a collective effort to enhance the natural environment at IIM Shillong, symbolizing the commitment to environmental conservation and support for the institution’s vision. Since its establishment in 2007, IIM Shillong has achieved notable milestones, including winning corporate competitions such as Wipro Earthian College, L’Oreal Brandstorm, Mahindra Warmroom, CFA Ethics Challenge, CRISIL, HSBC, and Deloitte Consulting. 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 solidified 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 livable planet for future generations.