By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 8: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong celebrated its 19th Foundation Day with the theme ‘Shaping Futures, Serving Humanity’. The event brought together members of the Board, faculty, staff, students and distinguished guests in a celebration of institutional growth, purpose, and community engagement.
Earlier in the day, Prof. Gautam Barua, Professor Emeritus at IIIT Guwahati and former Director of IIT Guwahati and IIIT Guwahati, delivered the inaugural lecture in the Foundation Day Lecture Series on the topic ‘The Business of AI’. In his address, Prof. Barua provided an overview of recent developments in Artificial Intelligence, particularly in Generative AI, highlighting both its promise and challenges. He discussed the expectations and hype surrounding AI while offering insights into the directions businesses should take to harness the transformative potential of this emerging technology.
Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman of the Board of Governors, who could not attend in person, expressed delight over the institute’s continued growth and achievements. He noted that the celebration marks another proud milestone with initiatives such as the introduction of the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) and community contributions through adopted schools.
He also expressed happiness over the addition of a small library to these schools, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to social responsibility.
Board member Nitin Sharma spoke on the importance of agility and direction in management education. He emphasised that while speed is often associated with success, it is direction and intent that determine an institution’s true progress.
Director (I/C) Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy reflected on how the Institute began its first MBA programme in 2008 with just 63 students, founded on the belief that management education must go beyond classrooms and case studies to connect with communities and contribute to nation-building. She highlighted IIM Shillong’s significant milestones in academics, research, international collaborations and societal engagement.
She added that IIM Shillong has signed eleven international MoUs this year, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
A panel discussion on ‘AI–Boon or Bane to the Workforce’ was also held on the occasion. The discussion explored the opportunities and challenges posed by AI to the global workforce, emphasising how responsible innovation and human-centric values must guide the integration of AI in future workplaces.
The event concluded with a cultural programme and dinner, celebrating the vibrant spirit of IIM Shillong and its deep connection with the cultural fabric of Meghalaya and the Northeast.
