Choosing a b-school is one of the most important decisions taken by a plethora of students and professionals across our country every year. While parameters like academics, placements, exposure, and brand play a crucial role in the decision-making process, a few parameters and variables are realised only after joining the Institute.
While choosing IIM Shillong as my choice for the future, the location of the institute was not on my list. However, the foundation course of the institute made me realise its significance. The one-week program focussed on sustainability might seem futile to an outsider, but the change in perception that it brings is unparalleled. And one of the most important stimulators in bringing about this change is the location of the Institute.
A classroom discussion on how humanity has exploited the planet earth might be done with the sincerest of intentions, but the depth required to create an everlasting impact is amiss in such a scenario. And this is where the location of the institute plays a pivotal role. The legacy trek organised by the seniors and a full day sustainability trek organised by the institute is not only adventurous experience but also an eye opener.
A walk down the sacred forest will allow you to interact with silence. Amid intense competition and race, the serenity of this place will calm all the clutter in your mind and enable you to talk to yourself. The trek across the mountains of Meghalaya and the sacred forest is potent enough to make you realise what we have lost in the past few decades. The serene hills of Meghalaya have largely been left untouched by large scale scientific development, and that is the reason one truly understands how the forces of universe intended this earth to be. The affection in the hearts of the people for their environment compels one to think deeply about the most common debate of development versus sustainability. While development cannot be ignored, the trek will inspire you to focus on sustainable development. As the future managers, it is imperative that a sense of responsibility and onus towards our environment and society is imbibed in the students of a b-school.
The trek sets a perfect context for the “Sustainability and Business” course in term 1. The course primarily focusses on how sustainability can augment profitability in business. The annual International conference of IIM Shillong on sustainability, SusCon, provides a brainstorming platform for distinguished academicians, students, government officials, civil society groups, and corporate managers on sustainability.
When I was asked “Why IIM Shillong?” during my admission interview, I confidently quoted the mission of the institute - “To generate and disseminate knowledge in all aspects of management education for sustainable development and to develop innovative leaders with strong ethical values.”. However, I could understand its meaning only when I joined the institute. Professionalism and academics are part and parcel of every b-school, but the along with those, the kind of attention given to mission of the institute is sure to bring about a change in the way we perceive our environment.