Shillong: IIM Shillong commemorated its 16th Inaugural Day on Tuesday. Over the past 15 years, IIM Shillong has emerged as a prominent institution in the field of management education and research, earning accolades and establishing strong collaborations with international universities and business schools.
The 16th Inaugural Day celebration featured a plantation drive led by the students and attended by various stakeholders. The event was graced by Padma Shri Jadav Payeng, widely known as the Forest Man of India.
In his inaugural speech, Payeng emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the need to educate young children about the significance of planting and nurturing trees. He envisioned children becoming ambassadors in the global movement to recreate a sustainable environment for a liveable planet Earth.
Payeng passionately expressed that parents entrust their children to nature’s care, as it provides essential elements such as oxygen, sunlight, and more, nurturing them into worthy human beings. He urged the government to implement necessary measures to ban air rifles, thereby preventing the killing of birds.
Several states have already taken action in this regard. Payeng highlighted that the Molai forest, which he initiated 42 years ago, now serves as a home to 115 elephants, tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, and other wildlife. The forest attracts 80% of Indian migratory birds.
His dream project of connecting the Molai forest with Kaziranga National Park, a 60-kilometre stretch, is currently in progress, furthering the cause of conservation and biodiversity.
Prof D P Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants of the plantation drive and further declared that July 4th would be celebrated as Inaugural Day every year at IIM Shillong, with a special emphasis on conducting a Plantation Drive.
This initiative aims to foster a deep sense of responsibility towards nature and the environment among the institute’s community.
The 16th Inaugural Day of IIM Shillong concluded with a commitment to environmental sustainability and a shared vision of creating a greener and more liveable planet for future generations.
