Indian Institute of Management Shillong celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and a strong message on responsible leadership, inclusive growth and nation-building.
The celebrations began with the hoisting of the National Tricolour by IIM Shillong Director Prof. (Dr.) Arun Mohan Sherry. The 100-foot-high national flag symbolised the institution’s aspirations and its commitment to contributing to India’s development. Members of the IIM Shillong fraternity joined in singing the National Anthem, reaffirming their shared sense of pride and unity.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sherry urged young management professionals to emerge as responsible leaders who combine professional excellence with empathy, integrity and a strong commitment to society and nation-building.
He highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence, digital technologies and emerging enterprises in shaping India’s economic and social landscape. While acknowledging the immense energy, creativity and aspirations of the country’s young population, he stressed that development must be measured by more than economic growth.
“The real measure of a nation’s progress is whether growth creates opportunity, dignity, inclusion, and a better quality of life for its people,” Prof. Sherry said.
He emphasised the role of institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Management in shaping the country’s future. According to him, management education should not be limited to producing successful managers but should focus on nurturing responsible leaders who understand the relationship between business and society.
“At IIM Shillong, our responsibility goes beyond creating successful managers. We have to create responsible leaders,” he said.
Prof. Sherry stressed that decisions taken by business leaders affect not only shareholders but also employees, communities, consumers and the environment. He called for leaders who can create wealth without compromising values, embrace technology without losing their humanity and compete globally while remaining connected to India’s needs.
Speaking about IIM Shillong’s location in the Northeast, Prof. Sherry said the institute has a special responsibility towards the region.
“The Northeast is not simply a geographical frontier. It is an important part of India’s economic, cultural, and strategic future,” he observed.
He called for stronger engagement with local communities, entrepreneurs and governments. He also urged management institutions to help local businesses scale up, promote youth entrepreneurship and develop sustainable models in tourism, agriculture and handicrafts.
“These are not merely academic questions. They are questions of nation-building,” he said.
Addressing the students, Prof. Sherry described them as among the country’s most privileged young people because of the transformative power of education and the opportunity it provides to shape the future.
He urged them to redefine success beyond designations and salaries and instead ask themselves what problems they have solved, whose lives they have improved and what they have left better than they found it.
Concluding his address, Prof. Sherry called upon students to contribute to the Northeast, society and the nation.
“It is your responsibility to support this Northeast region. It is your responsibility to serve society. It is your responsibility to build Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
The Independence Day ceremony was attended by students, faculty members, officers and staff of IIM Shillong. The programme concluded with cultural performances by members of the institute fraternity, followed by a prize distribution ceremony.