Shillong, April 3: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong celebrated its 17th Annual Convocation Ceremony, conferring degrees upon a total of 469 graduates, including 395 from the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) 2024–26 batch, 54 from the Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPEx) 2025–26 batch, and 15 from the Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE) 2024–26 batch. In addition, five scholars were awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
The convocation was graced by the presence of Anoop Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse as the Chief Guest, and Vijay Kedia, Managing Director, Kedia Securities, as the Guest of Honour.
In his virtual welcome address, Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIM Shillong, congratulated the graduating students, describing them as torchbearers of a Viksit Bharat. He highlighted India’s transformation through initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and Skill India, and noted the unique learning experience of the Northeast, where development coexists with nature, culture, and community.
He encouraged graduates to remain open to new ideas, embrace experiential learning, and lead with adaptability in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven global landscape, while staying committed to giving back to society.
Anoop Mehta, President of Bharat Diamond Bourse, reflected on the unique learning environment of Indian Institute of Management Shillong, noting that its non-linear landscape mirrors the evolving world graduates are stepping into. He highlighted how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and shifting industries are redefining careers, making adaptability and grounded thinking more important than ever. Drawing from his own journey, he emphasized the importance of perseverance, building strong ecosystems, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Using the metaphor of a diamond shaped under pressure, he encouraged graduates to embrace growth through challenges, remain curious and resilient, and focus on continuous self-improvement, reminding them that success lies not in knowing everything, but in constantly evolving.
Vijay Kedia, Managing Director, Kedia Securities, praised Indian Institute of Management Shillong for emerging as a formidable force in management education in less than two decades, noting that the Institute nurtures not just managers, but ethical leaders and value-driven entrepreneurs. Emphasizing the rapidly changing global landscape, he highlighted that the coming decade will reward direction and adaptability over degrees, with artificial intelligence redefining competition. He remarked that India’s moment has already begun, with opportunities rooted in sectors like technology, energy, and digital platforms, and urged graduates to actively participate in this transformation. Encouraging them to focus on applied knowledge and agility, he concluded that success in the years ahead will depend not on how much one knows, but on how quickly one can adapt.
Professor Naliniprava Tripathy, Director (I/C), IIM Shillong, presented the Institute’s annual report. She spoke of the strides made during the academic year 2025–26, highlighted the Institute’s growing global footprint through the signing of seven MoUs with leading international universities, bringing the total number of international collaborations to 37, along with significant progress toward prestigious AACSB and EQUISaccreditations. She noted IIM Shillong’s debut in the QS Global Rankings and the launch of the 5-year IPM programme aligned with NEP 2020, alongside continued excellence in research and doctoral contributions. She also underscored the successful hosting of multiple international conferences and seminars, fostering vibrant global academic engagement. Looking ahead, she announced the Institute’s plans to host the 11th Pan-IIM World Management Conference 2026, and urged graduates to uphold the values of the Institute as its ambassadors, while expressing gratitude to parents for their unwavering
The convocation concluded with a formal pledge led by Professor Rohit Joshi, Dean (Academics), and respective Programme Chairs. The pledge, taken by all graduating students and scholars, symbolized their commitment to ethical practice, excellence, and societal contribution as they embark on their professional journeys.
The following students were felicitated for their exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements:
Post Graduate Programme (PGP) 2024–26:
• Chairman’s Gold Medal: Priya Agarwal – Highest CGPA
• Rathindranath Datta Gold Medal: Priya Agarwal – Highest CGPA
• Director’s Gold Medal: Divyan Aggarwal – Best All-Rounder
• Prof. Ashoke K Dutta Gold Medal: Divyan Aggarwal – Best All-Rounder
• Institute Silver Medal: Nityaa Gudur, Ranit Das, and Yashraj Ashish Kanitkar – Second Highest CGPA
• Institute Gold Medal: Ajay MP – Positive Contribution to Campus Life
Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPEx) 2025–26: Chairman’s Gold Medal: Rixon Xavier Thaikattil – Highest CGPA, Director’s Gold Medal: Bishal Ram – Best All-Rounder
Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE) 2024–26: Chairman’s Gold Medal: Prithwijit Dasgupta – Highest CGPA
