IIM Shillong unveils new community and skill development initiatives on Foundation Day

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 8, 2024

IIM Shillong marked its 18th Foundation Day with the unveiling of several new initiatives aimed at fostering community development, skill enhancement, and educational empowerment in the Northeast region. The Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, graced the inauguration ceremony, joined by Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), and BoG members including Shishir Kumar Bajoria (Chairman, BoG), D.P. Wahlang, IAS Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, and Prof. D P Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, among others. The foundation ceremony witnessed the unveiling of three major initiatives by the Governor of Meghalaya, underscoring IIM Shillong’s ongoing commitment to value-based management education and community engagement.

Among the key initiatives launched was the Nurturing Minds School Adoption Initiative, through which IIM Shillong will partner with two schools in East Khasi Hills District—Quidotto Memorial RCLP School and Mawkasiang Umroh Presbyterian Secondary School. This initiative aims to create a sustainable impact on the learning environment, empower students, support teachers, and strengthen community ties, reflecting IIM Shillong’s vision of contributing to society through value-based management education.

In partnership with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), IIM Shillong also launched the Skill To Enterprise Model (STEM) program, providing training, mentoring, and financial assistance to 30 businesses in the Northeast, thereby fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of local ventures.

The Northeast Enterprise Empowerment Venture (NEEV) program was also introduced, focusing on local engagement, supporting community enterprises, and addressing critical regional challenges such as climate change, migration, and livelihood sustainability.

In his address, Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIM Shillong, outlined the institute’s expanding role in shaping the future of management education. He emphasized IIM Shillong’s commitment to serving the Northeast and its vision of becoming a globally renowned institution grounded in Indian values.

Prof. D P Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, reflected on the institution’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings in 2008 to its current state-of-the-art campus with 900 students. He highlighted IIM Shillong’s continued focus on sustainability, innovation, and leadership with ethical values.

The event featured insightful panel sessions with Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), and Shishir Kr Bajoria, Chairman of BoG, IIM Shillong, on ‘Developing Agile Leaders: Rethinking Management Education for a Disruptive and Uncertain World,’ moderated by Prof. Rohit Dwivedi. Another panel discussion on the theme ‘Future of Work: Management Education and Industry Expectations’ included industry professionals Bhasmang V. Mankodi, ED, Morgan Stanley, Mumbai; Ankit Bhargava, CEO of Foxberry Technologies Pvt Ltd., Pune; and Asit Jain, MD of Mahavir Beverages Pvt Ltd., Visakhapatnam, and was moderated by Atul Kulkarni, Member BoG, IIM Shillong. The discussion explored how management education can adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of the industry, focusing on insights and strategies for developing agile, future-ready leaders.

The Foundation Day celebrations not only marked IIM Shillong’s growth but also set the stage for a future dedicated to community engagement, sustainable development, and the nurturing of innovative leaders capable of navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world.