SHILLONG, July 29: The India Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, in collaboration with the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY), hosted a three-day immersive cultural series from July 25 to 27.
The induction programme, specially curated for the incoming PGP Batch of 2025-26, brought together some of India’s most revered classical artists for a blend of experiential workshops and spellbinding evening concerts.
SPIC MACAY, a nationwide voluntary movement dedicated to promoting Indian classical arts among the youth, is supported by key central government bodies including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD).
The workshop series featured hands-on training in diverse art forms including Odissi dance by renowned exponent Sujata Mohapatra, Hindustani classical vocals by Pt. Omkar Dadarkar, traditional Pattachitra painting led by award-winning artist Kalpana Chitrakar, and mindfulness-based yoga sessions with Guru Khagen Kalita. These sessions enabled students to deeply engage with Indian traditions while offering a meditative pause in their rigorous academic journey.
Each evening culminated in captivating performances that transported the audience into the depths of India’s classical legacy. The inaugural night featured a unique string recital by Joydeep Mukherjee, showcasing rare instruments like the Sarod, Sursingar, and Mohan Veena. This was followed by a powerful Hindustani vocal concert by Pt. Omkar Dadarkar, rooted in the Gwalior and Kirana gharanas. The final evening concluded with an elegant Odissi dance performance by Sujata Mohapatra, leaving the audience spellbound.
The incoming students actively participated in the sessions, with many expressing a newfound appreciation and interest in Indian classical arts. The initiative was met with enthusiastic acclaim for offering a harmonious blend of introspection, learning, and cultural exposure.
The SPIC MACAY Induction Series 2025-26 at IIM Shillong not only introduced students to the nuances of Indian culture but also fostered a deeper sense of identity and connection—marking a memorable beginning to their two-year academic pursuit.
