IIM Shillong unveils new initiatives on its 18th Foundation Day, focusing on community empowerment, skill development, and holistic education

Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], 7 November : The Indian Institute of Management Shillong celebrated its 18th Foundation Day by unveiling new initiatives aimed at fostering community development, skill enhancement, and educational empowerment in the Northeast region.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, along with Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), and BoG members including Shishir Kumar Bajoria (Chairman, BoG), D.P. Wahlang, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, and Prof. D.P. Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, among others, as per an official release.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of three major initiatives by the Governor of Meghalaya, underscoring IIM Shillong's commitment to value-based management education and community engagement, the release stated.
One of the key initiatives launched was the Nurturing Minds School Adoption Initiative, through which IIM Shillong has partnered 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 line with IIM Shillong's vision of societal contribution through value-based management education.
In collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), IIM Shillong also launched the Skill To Enterprise Model (STEM) programme. This initiative will provide training, mentoring, and financial assistance to 30 businesses in the Northeast, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of local ventures, according to the release.
The Northeast Enterprise Empowerment Venture (NEEV) programme, another key initiative, will focus on local engagement by supporting community enterprises and addressing critical regional challenges, including climate change, migration, and livelihood sustainability.
In his address, Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman of the Board of Governors of IIM Shillong, highlighted the institute's expanding role in shaping the future of management education. He emphasised IIM Shillong's dedication 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 institute's journey from its humble beginnings in 2008 to its current state-of-the-art campus housing 900 students. He noted the importance of IIM Shillong's focus on sustainability, innovation, and leadership with ethical values, according to the release.
The event included insightful panel sessions featuring Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of the NSE, and Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman of the BoG, IIM Shillong, on the topic 'Developing Agile Leaders: Rethinking Management Education for a Disruptive and Uncertain World,' moderated by Prof. Rohit Dwivedi. This was followed by a panel discussion on 'Future of Work: Management Education and Industry Expectations,' with distinguished industry professionals Bhasmang V. Mankodi, ED of Morgan Stanley, Mumbai; Ankit Bhargava, CEO of Foxberry Technologies Pvt Ltd., Pune; and Asit Jain, MD of Mahavir Beverages Pvt Ltd., Visakhapatnam. Moderated by Atul Kulkarni, Member of the BoG, IIM Shillong, the discussion delved into how management education can adapt to meet evolving industry needs, exploring 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 committed to community engagement, sustainable development, and the nurturing of innovative leaders prepared to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.