IIM Shillong Celebrates 19th Foundation Day
On November 9, 2025, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong marked its 19th Foundation Day with a grand celebration themed “Shaping Futures, Serving Humanity.” This significant event brought together members of the board, faculty, staff, students, and distinguished guests to reflect on the institution’s growth, purpose, and community engagement.
Foundation Day Highlights
The celebration featured several key components, including lectures from prominent figures in academia and industry. The first lecture in the Foundation Day Lecture Series was delivered by Prof. Gautam Barua, Professor Emeritus of IIIT Guwahati. His talk, titled The Business of AI, provided an insightful overview of recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly focusing on Generative AI.
Insights from Prof. Gautam Barua
During his lecture, Prof. Barua highlighted the dual nature of AI, discussing both its promising potential and the challenges it presents. He emphasized the importance of understanding the expectations and hype surrounding AI technologies. Furthermore, he offered valuable insights into the directions that businesses should consider to harness the transformative capabilities of this emerging technology.
Messages from Leadership
Although Shishir Kumar Bajoria, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, was unable to attend the event in person, he extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the IIM Shillong community. He expressed his pride in the institute’s continued growth and achievements over the years.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
In his message, Bajoria noted that the celebration marked another proud milestone for IIM Shillong. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the institute, including the introduction of the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) course and the community contributions through adopted schools. He expressed particular happiness over the addition of a small library to these schools, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to social responsibility and community development.
Guest Lecture by Shaakun Khanna
The celebration also featured a guest lecture delivered by Shaakun Khanna, former Vice President of HCM and SaaS Applications, APAC, at Oracle. His talk focused on the evolving role of human capital in a world increasingly shaped by technology and innovation.
Key Takeaways from Shaakun Khanna’s Lecture
- Human Capital in the Digital Age: Khanna discussed how the role of human capital is transforming in response to rapid technological advancements.
- Innovation and Adaptability: He emphasized the need for organizations to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability to thrive in a competitive environment.
- Collaboration and Learning: The importance of collaboration and continuous learning was highlighted as essential for personal and organizational growth.
Community Engagement and Future Initiatives
IIM Shillong has consistently demonstrated its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. The institute’s initiatives, such as the adoption of schools and the establishment of libraries, reflect its dedication to uplifting the local community.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, IIM Shillong aims to expand its outreach programs and continue fostering partnerships that benefit both the institute and the community. The integration of new courses and programs, such as the IPM, is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational offerings and prepare students for the challenges of the future.
Conclusion
The 19th Foundation Day of IIM Shillong was not just a celebration of its past achievements but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to shaping futures and serving humanity. The insights shared by esteemed speakers and the messages from leadership underscore the institute’s dedication to excellence in education and community service.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the events and messages shared during the 19th Foundation Day celebration of IIM Shillong.
