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Indian Institute of Management Shillong, located in Meghalaya state, have unveiled a massive life-size bronze statue of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This special event took place on July 27, 2026, which marks the 11th death anniversary of the great leader. The statue is eight foot tall and placed directly at the campus forelawns of the institute. This is the exact location where Dr. Kalam was giving his last lecture back in 2015 before he collapsed and passed away. The whole campus was filled with respect during this ceremony. Many people gathered around to see this statue which stands 8 feet high, 3.25 feet wide, and 3.5 feet deep. The statue is made of pure bronze so it can stay strong for many years. By putting up this statue, IIM Shillong have made sure that the memory of Dr. Kalam stay alive forever in the minds of everyone entering the college.
Remembering Dr Kalam Final Lecture :
It was on July 27, 2015, when Dr. Kalam came to IIM Shillong to interact with young MBA students. His topic for the lecture was "How to Make Our Planet More Liveable". While delivering this speech, he suddenly collapsed on stage and left this world doing what he loved most, which was teaching. The entire nation was in shock at that time, but his last words are still fresh in the mind of the institute. In that speech, Dr. Kalam spoke simple things about how governments, youth, and business leaders must work together. He said that saving the environment is not optional, but it is a big responsibility for every single person. He always believed that young students can change the world through good ideas.
Key People Present at Event :
The ceremony was presided over by senior members of the institute. Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Shishir Kumar Bajoria, pulled the red veil off from the statue to officially open it. Director of IIM Shillong, Prof. Dr. Arun Mohan Sherry, was also present on stage alongside other respected board members. Chief Administrative Officer Col. Dinesh Adhikari along with faculty members, staff, and students joined the ceremony in huge numbers. All the guests offered fresh flowers at the feet of the statue after it was opened. Speaking at the event, management leaders told that Dr. Kalam was not just a former president, but he was always "Kalam Sir" to the students. They said having his statue in the main lawn will remind everyone to work with honesty.
Focus on Green Management and Ethics :
During this historic event, IIM Shillong took a firm vow to follow the values that Dr. Kalam stood for during his lifetime. The college management said they are fully committed towards ethical leadership, green management, and sustainable education. They want to make sure that future business managers does not just care about making profit, but also care about nature and society. The institute have planned to bring more practical topics on environmental safety into their regular MBA syllabus. They want students to start eco-friendly businesses. By doing this, the college are carrying forward the vision of Dr. Kalam who always wanted a clean, green India.
A Permanent Inspiration for Students :
For the students currently studying at IIM Shillong, this statue is going to be a daily source of motivation. Walking past the bronze figure of "People's President" every morning will give a special kind of energy to young minds. Many students expressed that seeing the statue will remind them to dream big and work hard for the nation. IIM Shillong also organizes an annual memorial lecture every year to honor his legacy. The addition of this life-size statue completes the transformation of the campus from a place of tragic loss to a place of permanent inspiration. As the institute moves ahead, the spirit of Dr. Kalam Sir will keep guiding generations of students to become humble, wise, and responsible leaders.
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