IIM Shillong concludes Third International Week with global learning and cultural immersion

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 8, 2025

IIM Shillong successfully concluded the third edition of its flagship International Week (I-Week), held from July 1 to 6, 2025. The week-long event brought together 31 international participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Greece, Nepal, and Vietnam, reflecting the institute’s vision of nurturing globally aware leaders grounded in Indian ethos.

This year’s theme, “The Global-Indian Mosaic: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Impact,” combined high-impact academic sessions with cultural and regional experiences.

In her inaugural address, Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director (In-Charge), described I-Week as a transformative platform that prepares socially responsible leaders who are conscious of global challenges yet rooted in Indian values. Prof. Teidorlang Lyngdoh, Chairperson of External Relations, said the program serves as a bridge connecting countries, communities, and ideas, enabling meaningful collaborations.

The academic segment featured sessions by Prof. Rohit Dwivedi, who spoke on inclusive entrepreneurship, Prof. Sanjeeb Kakoty, who highlighted indigenous leadership through storytelling, and Prof. Sheetal Deendayal, who discussed intercultural management. Prof. Rohit Joshi presented on critical thinking and adaptive leadership, while Christine and Gerard Farias focused on ethical leadership and emotional intelligence. Prof. Basav Roychoudhury led a workshop on data-driven innovation, and Prof. Sanjoy Mukherjee explored ancient Indian wisdom as a lens for modern decision-making.

Entrepreneurs and industry leaders also shared valuable real-world insights with participants. Arijit Sen, Vice President – Sales & Marketing at Pee Safe, spoke about building challenger brands and navigating the dynamic D2C landscape. Sumanta Samadder, Chief Human Resources Officer at Crescent Foundry, offered a forward-looking perspective on human capital strategy, organizational culture, and the future of work. Rimjim Deka and Partha Kakati, co-founders of Little Box India, narrated their journey of creating a purpose-driven startup that draws from the cultural ethos of Northeast India. Priyanka Kaushik, founder of Noi Mohi, inspired participants with her grassroots approach to building a women-led social enterprise anchored in sustainability and community engagement.

To complement these academic and industry interactions, participants explored Meghalaya’s cultural and natural heritage through visits to various landmarks. A highlight was their visit to EriWeave, an ethical silk enterprise founded by Iaishah Rymbai and featured on Shark Tank India, which showcased sustainable entrepreneurship and traditional craftsmanship. They also experienced a traditional Khasi lunch at Meiramew Café, offering a glimpse into the region’s culinary storytelling and sustainable food practices. The spirit of civic engagement was further highlighted through a river-cleaning initiative led by Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim, noted journalist and social reformer, providing participants with meaningful exposure to environmental activism and community service.

The program concluded with a vibrant Cultural Night featuring Northeast folk performances, including the Assamese Bihu dance, regional music, and local cuisine. The evening celebrated unity in diversity and reflected IIM Shillong’s commitment to fostering collaboration and understanding across cultures.