SHILLONG: As many as 159 Post Graduate Diploma in Management Programme students who graduated from the Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong were handed over their certificates during the 8th convocation of the institute here on Wednesday.
In addition, 15 students of the Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Managing Business in India & China (PGPEx) programme for the year 2015-16 also received their passing out certificates, in presence of Society and Board Members of RGIIM Shillong, parents and faculty members of the institute.
Speaking on the occasion, accomplished alumnus of Stanford University, Co-Chairman of Forbes Marshall and current President of CII, Dr. Naushad Forbes urged IIM Shillong students to contribute to the growth of the North East.
He pointed out that the North East region has unmatched potential in its culture and beauty but the place is yet to develop into a world-class tourist destination. Stating that living a good life starts with choosing the right career he said, the strength of the Indian economy rests in its private sector.
Forbes said he was struck by the role the Chinese Government was playing by leading the economy by way of investing in infrastructure, and identifying new sectors for public and private sectors.
On the occasion, Professor Soumitra Dutta, Founding Dean of Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, New York, reflected upon three themes which he felt will serve the graduates well in moving forward in life.
The graduates’ role in the world as a leader for Brand India, their role as leaders in a fast developing economic power that has enormous social challenges and as members of family and community were, according to Prof Dutta, important considerations to become role models for the next generation.
“As Brand India has changed, so have the expectations of others from India and Indians. People expect us to be bright and creative. People expect us to be hardworking and successful. People expect us to be ethical and inclusive. People expect us to lead for success. People expect more from us…,” he said.
According to Soumitra Dutta, though India clearly progressed a lot on multiple fronts in the last couple of decades, it still remained one of the poorest countries in the world.
Delivering the convocation speech, Falguni Rajkumar, Chairman of the Board of Governors, said that the key factor of success in changing scenarios is adaptability and preparedness.
Meanwhile, students were also awarded for their achievements during the convocation.
Mohit Kanjwani bagged the Chairman’s Gold Medal for securing the highest CGPA while the Institute Silver Medal for securing the second highest CGPA was conferred on Anoop Prakash.
Director’s Gold Medal for best all-rounder went to Prachi Ashok Modi and the Institute Medal for positive contribution to campus life was conferred on Abhitej Anantha.
