IIM Shillong’s 15th convocation was instantly noticeable for one thing – a change in attire.
Inspired by the mosaic of North East cultures, IIM Shillong partnered with the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) to create new convocation attire, ditching the traditional cap and gown. The result was a body drape adorned in IIM hues of white, green and yellow.
“The attire innovation isn’t just symbols of unity; it is a manifestation of the commitment to celebrate and honour cultural diversity,” a press release stated, adding that the drape was “reminiscent of the traditional Khasi tribal wrap”. They were crafted, however, in Assam by Tamulpur Anchalik Gramdaan Sangh, the oldest khadi institution in the North East.
Graduates hurled the drape into the air in lieu of the usual throwing of the cap.
Although the IIM Shillong made no mention of this, there has been a move across the country to leave behind the cap and gown for they were borrowed from western higher education and adopt more local attire.
Coming to the convocation itself, five doctoral scholars were conferred with their PhDs and 281 students from the PGP 2022-24 batch, 47 students from PGPEX 2023-24 batch and 16 students from PGPWE 2022-24 batch were conferred with MBA degrees.
The convocation address was delivered by Narayanan Kumar of the Sanmar Group and Honorary Consul General of Greece in Chennai. Others who spoke included the chairman of the Board of Governors, Shishir Kumar Bajoria, and IIM Shillong Director Prof DP Goyal.
