IIM Shillong bids farewell to outgoing Director Prof Goyal

SHILLONG, April 29: IIM Shillong on Tuesday bid a heartfelt farewell to Prof DP Goyal, who has served as the Director of the institute since March 2019. Prof Goyal’s tenure has been marked by exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and transformative contributions to the growth and reputation of the institute.
The farewell ceremony was graced by Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) Shishir Kumar Bajoria; Chief Secretary DP Wahlang; BoG members Atul Kulkarni and Nitin Sharma; along with other dignitaries, including the Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, faculty members, officers, and staff of the IIM Shillong fraternity.
On the occasion, Bajoria lauded Prof Goyal’s unwavering dedication and pivotal role in strengthening the institute’s academic stature. Chief Secretary Wahlang, also a BoG member, fondly recalled his time as an undergraduate student under Prof Goyal’s mentorship, highlighting the professor’s enduring influence as an educator.
He emphasised that Prof Goyal’s vision and commitment have left a lasting legacy, significantly shaping the academic community and contributing to the institute’s continued progress. BoG members Atul Kulkarni and Nitin Sharma also extended their appreciation for Prof. Goyal’s integrity, academic leadership, and the positive transformation he brought to IIM Shillong.
Prof Nalini Prava Tripathy has been appointed as Director (In-Charge) of IIM Shillong. With nearly 27 years of experience in finance and management education, she brings a rich blend of academic and administrative expertise. The institute is optimistic about her leadership as it continues its journey toward excellence.
Board members, including Shishir Bajoria, Atul Kulkarni, Nitin Sharma, and Chief Secretary Wahlang praised Prof Goyal for taking charge at a challenging time — especially during the critical phase of shifting to the new campus — and successfully turning it into a state-of-the-art facility.
Under his leadership, the institute saw remarkable improvements in student placements, including a significant rise in gross take-home salaries.
In terms of global engagement, Prof Goyal spearheaded the signing of MoUs with several international management institutes, enabling student and faculty exchanges. Of particular significance is the strategic collaboration with regional states, including the MoA with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to set up a learning centre in Tawang.
Known for his humility and kindness, Prof Goyal endeared himself to everyone — from faculty and students to administrative and contractual staff — many of whom directly benefited from his inclusive approach and personal attention.
The entire IIM Shillong community expressed its deepest gratitude to Prof DP Goyal for his visionary leadership and dedicated service, while extending best wishes to Prof Nalini Prava Tripathy as she steps into her new role.