Shillong, April 4 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today addressed the graduating students at the 16th Convocation of IIM Shillong, encouraging them to view life as a marathon demanding perseverance, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to their passions.
Speaking to the young graduates, Chief Minister Sangma emphasized the importance of navigating life’s transitions with focus. “This is a marathon. Don’t allow anything to distract you. As you move forward in life, you will face different situations and challenges. This is an important transition, and how you navigate it will define your journey,” he stated.
Drawing upon his own experiences, the Chief Minister shared personal anecdotes of uncertainty after graduation and early career setbacks. “I remember standing at my own graduation, unsure of what to do next. But one thing I have learned along the way is that life is not about a single moment or event—it’s about the entire journey,” he recounted.
He further illustrated his point by recalling his initial electoral defeat and how he channeled that disappointment into motivation for future success. “I lost my first election, but I learned from my failures. Eventually, I won and became an MP, then an MLA, then Finance Minister, and today, the Chief Minister. The most important decisions in life are often the hardest ones. But when you follow your heart and do what you truly believe in, the journey becomes meaningful.”
Highlighting Meghalaya’s economic progress, Chief Minister Sangma proudly shared the state’s growth trajectory. “Our GDP has grown from ₹9,000 crores to over ₹30,000 crores in just three years. Investments have tripled, and government expenditure is now being channelled into high-impact sectors that drive meaningful change,” he added.
He urged the graduates to embrace adaptability and entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving world. “You are stepping into a world of rapid transitions, but within these transitions lie the greatest opportunities. The greatest minds are not just those who work hard and are intelligent—it is those who embrace challenges and create opportunities.”
Chief Minister Sangma also underscored the significance of human connection in leadership. “No matter how intelligent you are or which institute you graduate from, at the end of the day, it is the human in you that truly matters. A simple smile or a kind gesture can change a person’s life.”
During the convocation, the Chief Minister also presented medals to meritorious students.
Reflecting on his own post-graduation experience from The Wharton School, he shared how his academic insights shaped his policy decisions. “Upon returning to Meghalaya, I spent a month studying the state’s policies and realized they were vastly different from those of other nations that were progressing at a much faster pace. My academic research had focused on governance and economic facilitation, and 15 years later, as Chief Minister, I found myself implementing many of the ideas from my dissertation.”
He explained that his research emphasized a minimal yet highly facilitative role for the government in fostering economic growth through a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs at all levels. “Entrepreneurship exists at various levels—whether it’s a large-scale enterprise, a small food processing unit, or even a cooperative group. 1 The entrepreneurial spirit is what truly matters,” he said.
Concluding his address, Chief Minister Sangma encouraged the graduates to recognize the lasting impact of their time at IIM Shillong. “My message to you is this—never underestimate the value of the conversations, experiences, and exposure you gain in a premier institution like IIM Shillong. The knowledge you acquire here may hold immense significance in your future, just as it did for me,” he affirmed.
The convocation ceremony was also graced by the presence of President of Honeywell India Ashish Modi, Chairman Board of Governors, IIM Shillong Shishir Kumar Bajoria, and Director IIM Shillong Prof D P Goyal, who also addressed the gathering.
