IIM Shillong today paid a heartfelt tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on the occasion of his 11th death anniversary, commemorating the historic day when the former President of India delivered his final lecture at the Institute on “How to Make Our Planet More Liveable.”
As a lasting tribute to Dr. Kalam’s deep association with IIM Shillong, an 8-foot-tall life-size bronze statue of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was unveiled today by Shri Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG), IIM Shillong, in the presence of Shri Atul Kulkarni and Shri Nitin Sharma, Members, BoG, Prof. (Dr.) Arun Mohan Sherry, Director, IIM Shillong, Col. Dinesh Adhikari (Retd) CAO along with faculty members, officers, staff, and students of the Institute.
The statue, measuring 8 feet in height, 3.25 feet in width, and 3.5 feet in depth, stands as a symbol of Dr. Kalam’s towering contribution to the nation and his lifelong dedication towards education, innovation & scientific advancement.
On 27 July 2015, during his final interaction with students at IIM Shillong, Dr. Kalam delivered his inspiring lecture on “How to Make Our Planet More Liveable.” In his address, he emphasised the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, scientists, industry leaders, and citizens, particularly the youth, in creating a sustainable future through innovation, environmental consciousness, ethical leadership, and responsible action.
Fondly remembered by students as “Kalam Sir,” Dr. Kalam continues to inspire generations through his humility, compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to education. His interaction with the students of IIM Shillong remains a cherished moment in the Institute’s history and a testament to his belief in the transformative power of young minds.
The programme concluded with members of the IIM Shillong fraternity offering floral tributes at the statue of Dr. Kalam, honouring his enduring vision and values.
Reaffirming its commitment to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s vision of nurturing enlightened leaders and building a sustainable future, IIM Shillong continues to advance excellence in management education, research, innovation, sustainability, and ethical leadership. The message he shared during his final interaction with the Institute — “How to Make Our Planet More Liveable” — remains a guiding philosophy, inspiring future generations to dream with purpose, lead with integrity, and contribute towards creating a more sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive world.