By Esha Chaudhuri
In the recently observed and revered Earth Day, demonstrated endeavours of those that are vocal about the advocacy of environmental protection. Among many, voices of the young echoed through a strategic framework for sustainable practices executed by the Eco Biz Club at IIM Shillong. Sequenced with this year’s theme that is ‘Invest in Our Planet’, the club has been promoting, practising, studying, commenting on, and communicating sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility. Sunday Shillong engages with its teammates, also students at the institution sifting through their various undertakings routing towards the in the field of achievement of sustainability.
Earth Day
Earth Day stands for raising awareness on issues the world is grappling with such as climate change and switching to greener ways of living, ensuring mobilising larger crowds including those that are vulnerable and the youth. IIM Shillong’s also operates with similar values, understanding of sustainable business practices while encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly models. Speaking with a member of EcoBiz, Rohan Kumar Sinha in light of Earth Day, our club’s message is focused on the following key issues like Green Investing and Finance: Encouraging businesses to explore eco-friendly investments and financing options, such as green bonds, can provide a competitive edge and contribute to long-term financial stability. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can significantly reduce operational costs, making businesses more competitive and environmentally responsible. Sustainable Branding and Marketing: By promoting a company’s sustainability efforts and eco-friendly products, businesses can attract environmentally-conscious consumers and enhance brand reputation. Employee Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Fostering a culture of sustainability within the organisation and engaging employees in CSR initiatives can boost morale, productivity, and overall company performance. Lastly, Innovation and Sustainable Business Models: Encouraging innovation in sustainable products, services, and business models can lead to new market opportunities and long-term growth.”
By adopting these strategies at the sustainability and business club, Sinha believes that it aims to illustrate the benefits of sustainable business practices as well as inspire companies to prioritise environmental responsibility while achieving financial success.
Youth participatory acts
In its 53rd anniversary, observing Earth Day around the world advocates for generating awareness on environmental issues by addressing them through action with tangible outcomes. In the club’s case too, moving beyond the classroom in the picturesque and naturally rich ecosystem of the state has been just the idea. Elucidating some of the unique ideas of the club, Sinha says, “We have introduced engaging ideas to promote sustainability among the student community. One such idea is the Sustainability Trek event, EcoImmerse, where the students are taken to a breathtaking trail and the surrounding community, providing a hands-on learning experience about the importance of preserving the natural environment and biodiversity. The nationwide case competitions on real-life problems also inculcate the practice of problem-solving with sustainability in mind, thus aiding a cause that will reap benefits for future generations.”
These outdoor activities benefit manifold. Apart from the learning from ground zero, it makes students conscious of the environment. As pointed out by Sinha, “This hyper competitive landscape along with very rigourous academics and other integral activities that constitute the MBA at IIM Shillong, may cause one to forget about the other things that matter in life, the simple and divine beauty of nature, and the need to coexist with it.”
Many students hail from the crowded cityscapes finding an alternate way of life in Shillong. “Most come from urban cities, and highly populated concrete jungles, they have never immersed themselves in nature’s beauty. Many students even forego physical exercise due to their hectic schedule. Thus, the David Scott Trail helped us reconnect with nature, truly immerse ourselves and appreciate its beauty, as well as provided a very much needed physical challenge, rekindling their interest in activities that make life meaningful.”
Adding to the learning of humility in the face of nature’s grandeur, and the need to preserve it, some even found trekking as their new hobby. “The treks also helped the students develop deeper bonds with their diverse batchmates., trekking, resting, conversing and appreciating nature’s glory together, forging a strong bond which will last for their lifetime.”
“Another initiative by the club is the Documentary Screening event, which not only provides an opportunity for students to learn about sustainability but also fosters meaningful discussions on 
practical steps to create a more sustainable future. Through these initiatives, the club seeks to promote a culture of sustainability and encourage students to actively engage in creating a more sustainable future.” adds, Sinha, Post Graduate batch of 2022-2024, originally from Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
About the Club
The Sustainability and Business Club of IIM Shillong aims to make businesses truly sustainable and strengthen the link between social and environmental prosperity with economic profit. IIM Shillong’s EcoBiz club strives to bridge the gap between business and business schools by developing relationships with business stewards and helping students comprehend social welfare and economic benefit.
Elaborating on the club’s modus operandi, Sinha says, “The club, led by a mentor, allows the student members to innovate and come up with new ideas and projects freely. The said proposed projects are then required to be approved by the mentor. After the approval, the students get hands-on experience in the management of the project that they ideated on and learn leadership and teamwork through experience.”
On the question of teaching staff’s participation, Sinha says, “The teaching staff are always ready to assist and advise on various functions, but overall the club’s activities are mostly student-driven and thus allow the students to discover their own strengths and weaknesses as well as foster a spirit of teamwork.”
On the pertinent question of the values that the club wants to inculcate in its students, and its encouragement to them in the future, Sinha summarises, 
“The club aims to instil the values of sustainable practices, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship in its students. By exposing them to various sustainable models and providing them with opportunities to engage in discussions and events related to sustainability, the club aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be responsible business leaders and active global citizens. These values will not only help students in their future careers but also enable them to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.”
Moulding young minds towards financial stability, long term sustainability for an in-depth know-how is what the premier institution proposes and inculcates in its learners.