VIII
Convocation -2017
Convocation Speech
By
Falguni Rajkumar
Chairman, Board of Governors
RGIIM Shillong
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VIII Convocation - 2017
Address of
SHRI FALGUNI RAJKUMAR IAS (Retd),
Chairman of the Board of Governors,
Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management, Shillong
On behalf of the Board of Governors (BOG), and on my personal
behalf, I have great pleasure in welcoming Dr. Naushad Forbes, CoChairman, Forbes Marshall and President, CII to be the Chief Guest
for the 8th Convocation, 2017. I also have the pleasure of welcoming
Dr. Soumitra Dutta, Dean, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
to this Convocation.
I also welcome all dignitaries, invitees, parents, other guests and
members of the Press.
Dear students, I On behalf of the Board of Governors (BOG), and
on my personal behalf and on behalf of all of us present here in
this Convocation congratulate each one of you on your successful
completion of the two years PGP, and the one year PGP (EX) courses.
We are indeed all very proud of your achievements.
The world of commerce and trade is rapidly changing. Today concepts
and approaches in international trade and business is undergoing a
sea change. We are moving into a regime of protectionism. The larger
economies, which once advocated collaborations and partnerships
and believed in open and free trade, have now started advocating just
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the opposite. This changing scenario should caution each one of you
to be prepared for any kind of contingency. But all these should not
deter you. As long as you are aware, able to appreciate and understand
the dynamics involved, you are safe.
The key factor of success in this situation is adaptability. Adaptability
has another moniker; preparedness. Managerial skills acquired
will be put under severe tests at these times. As young corporate
leaders, do not get bogged down. Reorient your ways of thinking and
functioning instead. Please remember that what we have taught you
in IIMS are all ‘tools’ to manage such situations. It is left to you how
effectively and efficiently you apply them. Much of your success will
depend on this adaptability.
In all these, remember, effective decision making is a fine balance
between what constitutes management culture and strategy of an
organisation. Both of these are vital. Success of an organisation often
depends on it. Effective decisions also involves the ability to apply,
which of this is appropriate and crucial and at what point of time a
balance of the two are necessary. Use these management tools, skills
effectively. Management Skill is like a hammer. It can break and also
mend and shape. It is left to you how each one of you, how you use
them.
The transformative appeal of any academic institution is its ability to
give a sense of purpose and direction to its students. In IIMS, one of
the purposes is to sharpen your mental faculties for effective decision
making in your professional careers as India’s top business leaders.
Several techniques, methods have been taught to you.
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We in IIMS are proud to say that we have been successful in our
efforts to do this. And all of you have proved this. This is amply
evident from the kind of placement students have got ever since the
first Convocation in 2010 was held.
Dear students, as you step out into the world of business and
commerce as future corporate leaders, please bear in mind your
responsibilities to your parents. They deserve our utmost gratitude
for having supported you over the years to enable you to achieve this
cherished goal of obtaining one of India’s toughest degrees/diploma.
Let us not forget their contributions. I take this opportunity to
congratulate each parent for their invaluable sacrifice, patience and
importantly, their trusts in their children.
Dear student, please also remember your responsibilities to your
country and also to your society. It is your bounden duty to remember
the poor and the unprivileged in whatever you do. This is important,
especially in your extremely busy life ahead. These responsibilities
will give you a sense of direction and purpose in life and as a human
being.
Most importantly, in whatever you do, please remember that ethics
in your work and life is necessary if you want to succeed in life in
general. Unless you inculcate this habit of reinforcing yourself
morally in your life and business dealings, all learning here in IIMS
would have no meaning.
Today, as we gather for the 8th Convocation, your records reveal that
you all are among the best that the country has. We do believe that
each one you will live up to our expectations.
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I on my personal behalf and on behalf of the Board of Governors also
take this opportunity to congratulate the Director; all the members
of the teaching faculty, the administrative supporting staff who have
discharged their responsibilities to the best of their abilities. We
are proud of your contributions. We would like also to place on
record our sincerest appreciations to all the distinguished persons
and visiting faculty members who have visited us and shared their
valuable scholarships and knowledge with our students assembled
today.
Dear students, today as you leave us, do remember your Alma matter
in the days ahead. Much of our future success depends on your
success. And we here, would love to continue our relationships in the
days ahead. Do what you can for your Alma matter.
I, wish each one of you success and Godspeed.
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