Shillong, July 7, 2025: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong wrapped up the third edition of its flagship International Week (I-Week) on Saturday, July 6, marking a week-long celebration of cross-border collaboration, leadership dialogue, and cultural exchange.
Held from July 1 to 6, I-Week 2025 brought together 31 international participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Greece, Nepal, and Vietnam, reinforcing IIM Shillong’s vision of cultivating globally aware leaders anchored in Indian values.
Themed “The Global-Indian Mosaic: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Impact,” the event featured an engaging mix of industry sessions, academic discourse, community engagement, and cultural immersion.
In her opening address, Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director (Charge), described I-Week as a transformative initiative that prepares future leaders to be both socially responsible and globally competent. Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Teidorlang Lyngdoh, Chairperson of External Relations, emphasized the event’s role in bridging cultures, communities, and ideas.
The academic segment included sessions on inclusive entrepreneurship, adaptive leadership, and ethical decision-making by faculty from IIM Shillong and international collaborators. Highlights included lectures by Prof. Sanjeeb Kakoty on storytelling and indigenous leadership, Prof. Sheetal Deendayal on intercultural management, and a workshop by Prof. Basav Roychoudhury on data-driven innovation.
Industry professionals and entrepreneurs also played a key role in the week’s engagements.
Arijit Sen of Pee Safe delved into the challenges of building D2C brands,
Sumanta Samadder from Crescent Foundry addressed human capital and the future of work,
Little Box India co-founders Rimjim Deka and Partha Kakati shared their journey of building a purpose-led Northeast-based startup,
Priyanka Kaushik, founder of Noi Mohi, was inspired by her community-driven social enterprise model.
Participants were also introduced to Meghalaya’s ecological and cultural heritage. A field visit to EriWeave, an ethical silk brand founded by Iaishah Rymbai and featured on Shark Tank India, offered insights into sustainable local entrepreneurship. A curated Khasi lunch at Meiramew Café allowed guests to experience the region’s culinary traditions and storytelling culture.
The week also included a community service initiative, with participants joining Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim in a river-cleaning drive, fostering a deeper connection with environmental activism and grassroots civic engagement.
The program concluded with a vibrant Cultural Night, featuring Assamese Bihu dance, regional music, and storytelling—celebrating the theme of unity in diversity.
With its unique blend of learning, impact, and cultural dialogue, I-Week 2025 once again underscored IIM Shillong’s role as a global hub for values-driven leadership rooted in the spirit of the Northeast.
