Indian Institute of Management Shillong inaugurated the 8th Batch of the Doctoral Programme for Working Professionals (PhDWP) and the 7th Batch of the Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE) on 26 May 2026.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Director, IIM Calcutta, as the Chief Guest. Shri Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President and Head – Membership and Outreach, NASSCOM, and Shri Dheeraj Gaur, CEO, Arete Capital Service Pvt. Ltd., attended the programme as Guests of Honour.

Welcoming the participants, Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director (I/C), IIM Shillong, reflected on the Institute’s legacy of nurturing ethical leadership and highlighted the Institute’s accreditations and growing global rankings as indicators of academic excellence. She also spoke about the Institute’s Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and specialised centres that support research, capacity building, consultancy and development initiatives.

Emphasising the importance of collaboration, self-awareness, empathy, adaptability, continuous learning and leadership in a rapidly evolving business environment, she encouraged participants to embody these values in their professional journeys. She further noted that the programmes would be both rigorous and rewarding.

In his address, Chief Guest Prof. Alok Kumar Rai highlighted the growing global brand equity and reputation of Indian management institutions. Stressing that modern management education is increasingly research-driven and closely aligned with industry realities, he encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to society through knowledge creation, research, and responsible leadership.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Srikanth Srinivasan observed that leadership today is no longer defined by authority alone, but by the ability to enable innovation with accountability and create ecosystems where collaboration and transformation can thrive. He remarked that innovation is now a necessity for organisations seeking to remain relevant in a rapidly changing global environment.

Highlighting India’s growing strength in technology, talent and innovation, he stated that the country stands at a pivotal moment driven by technological advancement, abundant talent, and expanding opportunities. He further emphasised that the future will be shaped not merely by technology, but by visionary leadership capable of empowering people, fostering innovation with purpose, and enabling responsible and sustainable growth.

Shri Dheeraj Gaur encouraged participants to embrace challenges with a solution-oriented mindset while continuously cultivating curiosity and humility. He urged them to take ownership of responsibilities, challenge processes constructively, and focus on lifelong learning and meaningful professional relationships.

The PhDWP Batch 2026 comprises 20 participants representing diverse educational and professional backgrounds, while the 7th Batch of the PGPWE programme includes 87 participants from sectors such as automobile, consulting, manufacturing, and information technology.

Prof. Mousumi Bhattacharya and Prof. Sitanshu Sekhar Das administered the oath to the participants of the PhDWP and PGPWE programmes respectively and encouraged them to make the most of the academic and professional opportunities available at IIM Shillong.

The commencement ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks and enthusiastic participation from the incoming batches as they embarked on their academic and professional journey at IIM Shillong.

 

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