IIM Shillong Celebrates 16th Inaugural Day with a Focus on Environmental Conservation

 IIM Shillong commemorated its 16th Inaugural Day on 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 graced by Padma Shri Jadav Payeng,

widely known as the Forest Man of India. In his inaugural speech, Shri 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 liveable planet Earth.

Shri 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. Shri 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.

Shri Jadav Payeng Advocates Planting Sandalwood Trees for Environmental and Economic

Benefits.

Shri Payeng highlighted the importance of planting sandalwood trees for their

environmental and economic value. Drawing examples from countries like China and

Taiwan, Shri 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 liveable 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, L'Oreal Brandstorm, Mahindra Warmroom, 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

centres 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 liveable planet for future

generations.