SHILLONG, July 6: As part of the International Week 2025, participants from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong took part in a meaningful community initiative — the cleaning of Umkaliar river.
The drive, organised by local environmental groups, welcomed the participation of 31 international students, 15 IIM Shillong students, and several local residents who came together to support the cause of a cleaner and healthier ecosystem.
The group, accompanied by the institute’s Prof Teidorlang Lyngdoh, joined the effort as part of their community immersion experience, gaining valuable exposure to grassroots environmental work while giving back to the host community.
Participants also had the opportunity to interact with Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim — one of the individuals pioneering the Umkaliar cleaning initiative — who shared her thoughts on the importance of civic engagement and active participation in preserving natural resources.
“Participating in the river cleaning was a rewarding experience. It felt great to contribute to a cleaner environment and work alongside with a passionate group,” said Srahnji Nyanasehgaran, a student from Malaysia.
Benish Koirala, from Nepal, called it “a great experience more so after having realised how aware the community is in taking care of nature.”
“It was eye-opening to see how deeply connected the local community is with the river. Being a part of this effort made me feel both humbled and inspired,” said Elisavet Mazaraki, who hails from Greece.
A student from Thailand, Yu Ya Nway, remarked: “This drive reminded me that small steps taken together can lead to meaningful change. It was an unforgettable part of my time at IIM Shillong.”
The Umkaliar river cleaning drive offered a powerful reminder of the impact that collaboration, community spirit, and shared responsibility can have, not only on the environment, but on the individuals who come together for a common cause.
The international students of IIM Shillong also paid a visit to EriWeave, a pioneering social enterprise that exemplifies the spirit of ethical entrepreneurship.
Founded by Iaishah Rymbai and recognised on Shark Tank India, EriWeave is rooted in the traditional practice of non-violent Eri silk farming.
The enterprise has garnered admiration for reviving cultural practices while creating meaningful employment for women in rural communities across Meghalaya.
The visit highlighted the synergy between leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable impact, echoing the very theme of this year’s I-Week.
Participants were given an immersive experience into the intricate process of Eri silk spinning and weaving, learning first-hand how the silk is cultivated and turned into fine fabric without harming the silkworms.
Iaishah candidly shared her entrepreneurial journey—one marked by community collaboration, resilience, and purpose. She spoke of how EriWeave works closely with weavers, retailers, and other key stakeholders to ensure a truly inclusive and sustainable value chain.
The session was highly interactive, with international students engaging in thoughtful conversations around ethical fashion, the power of indigenous knowledge, and the pride associated with receiving the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Many were inspired by Iaishah’s vision and the tangible social impact of her work.
Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
“I found EriWeave to be a blend of culture and business driving the community toward sustainable growth. The founders’ inspiring journey is one to be cherished and used as motivation, showing that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for community development,” said Ishan Gaire, from Nepal.
In addition, the students also visited the Don Bosco Museum—a landmark institution dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India.
Participants explored a variety of galleries featuring traditional attire, agricultural tools, musical instruments, tribal housing models, and ceremonial artefacts.
The experience offered a deeper understanding of how communities in Northeast India preserve their cultural identity while adapting to contemporary times.
For many participants, it was an eye-opening encounter with indigenous knowledge systems, ecological wisdom, and artistic expression—elements that often remain underrepresented in mainstream narratives.
The rooftop skywalk added a unique finish to the visit, offering a symbolic and literal overview of the land and cultures explored within the museum.
“It was fascinating to see the diversity within a single region. This visit expanded my perspective on Indian culture in a very meaningful way,” observed Nabina Regmi from Nepal.
