6th Convocation of IIM Shillong
ceremony of IIM Shillong on Tuesday. (ST)
Shillong: In a memorable exhortation to the outgoing PGP Class of 2015 of IIM Shillong, chief guest Ramakrishnan Mukundan, MD, Tata Chemicals Ltd., while addressing the 6th Convocation of IIM Shillong here on Tuesday said, “There is no greater joy than living in the moment and experiencing it to the fullest and facing the consequences and learning even more. Hence If I were to wish for you all something, it would be many moments of spontaneity and many moments of joy and learning. But for that you must all do something only you can do….Follow your heart (even while you think with your mind). Don’t lead someone else’s life but live your own dreams.”
For a person who has spent over two decades in the corporate world, Mukundan is unspoilt by the glamour and fame of this often surreal world. He said at age 13 his father made him learn stenography and typing and even retained an old cycle after the family had bought a car. Years later his father explained that stenography and typing was a trade he could use for a rainy day. The cycle was retained in case they had no other means of transport.
Stating that the size of the purpose matters more than the size of the purse, he said, “Always surround yourself with good people, good thoughts and good deeds. This is Sat-sangat. Sat- sangat brings sanity and sanity matters a lot in life.”
Referring to five guiding principles in his life, Mukundan said, “Whenever I am lost I turn to the 5 Gandhian principles, namely, Ahimsa – not harming anyone, Satya – truth, Swaraj – freedom of thought of the individual, Sarvodaya – service to all, Antyodaya – serving the poorest of the poor.”
He exhorted the students to have simple needs and not complicate their lives by aspiring for BMWs, Mercedes and plush homes. “Use your privileged positions to bring change and contribute to a more equitable world,” he added.
This was a convocation speech that the outgoing students are unlikely to forget.
Mukundan lauded IIM Shillong for incorporating ‘sustainability’ as part of its core content stating that this is the key to survival of the planet. “If we live at the rate we are living today even three earths cannot sustain us,” he said.
The IIM Convocation was held at the Institute’s campus at the Mayurbhanj Complex. A total of 119 students were awarded the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) while 31 students were awarded the Post Graduate Programme for Executive Diploma.
The 6th Annual Convocation ceremony commenced with the opening address by Dr. Sanjeeb Kakoty, faculty member, IIM Shillong. The significant achievements of IIM Shillong were highlighted by Professor Amitabha De, Director, IIM Shillong, as he emphasized on the growing success of the institute and the major goals that the institute wishes to achieve in the years to come. The closing address was conveyed by Falguni Rajkumar, Chairman, IIM Shillong.
Among the PGP students, Priyanka Garg received the Gold Medal for scholastic performance in academics while Gautam Jain received the Silver Medal.
Gautam Jain also received the Gold Medal for the best performance by a candidate in quantitative finance courses.
The Gold Medal for the best all-round performance by a student in terms of general proficiency including character, conduct, and excellence in academic performance, extra-curricular activities and social service was awarded to Prachi Agarwal. The Institute’s Medal For Positive Contribution To Campus Life was awarded to Balakrishnan Muthukrishnan.