Shillong, Oct 26: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong hosted HT – Ideas Matter Most under the theme “Together Towards India@2047: Community–Industry Synergy for Innovation and Growth,” bringing together policymakers, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and academicians to explore strategies for inclusive innovation and nation-building.

The event was held on Oct 24.

Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director (I/C), IIM Shillong, underscored that India’s development vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 hinges on collective effort and shared responsibility. She stressed that synergy among government, industry, academia, and society is vital for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

The event featured an inspiring keynote by Madhu Chandan, Founder and CEO of Organic Mandya, who shared his journey of transforming farmers into agri-entrepreneurs. He urged young innovators to “think differently, act courageously, and pioneer ideas that challenge conventional boundaries,” emphasizing community-rooted innovation as the key to long-term growth.

Adding a policy perspective, Dr. Suvrokamal Dutta, Economic and Foreign Policy Expert, highlighted the importance of Viksit Gyan (developed knowledge) and Viksit Sooch (progressive thought) as the intellectual foundations of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. He noted that India’s self-reliant future will be powered by indigenous innovation and global engagement.

Two panel discussions explored critical dimensions of innovation-led development.
The first, “CSR: Identifying Key Focus Areas for Community–Industry Partnerships for Inclusive Innovation,” moderated by Prof. Rohit Dwivedi, examined how corporate social responsibility can serve as a bridge between academia, industry, and communities. Panelists from Emami Ltd., Wipro, Indian Oil Corporation, and Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. emphasized aligning CSR strategies with community priorities to foster sustainable innovation.

The second panel, “Vision North East – Driving Economic Competitiveness through People and Communities,” moderated by Prof. Sanjeeb Kakoty, focused on harnessing the Northeast’s human capital, natural resources, and cultural strengths for regional growth. Speakers including P. Narayana Bhatta (CEO, Latlong ai), Ramen Lal Baishya (Tea Board of India), and Himanshu Shekhar (NDTV) called for skill development, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment to unlock the region’s potential.

The day also featured thought-provoking talks by Naina More, Aravinda Kamireddy (IT Cater Inc., USA), Amresh Pratap Yadav (Johnson Controls), and others, covering topics from creativity and storytelling to technology exchange and corporate purpose.

Concluding the event, Pranav Kumar, CEO, Ideas Matter Most Ventures Pvt. Ltd., lauded IIM Shillong’s role in fostering dialogue that connects ideas with impact. The “Emerging Ideas Award” ceremony recognized innovative and socially impactful entrepreneurial concepts that exemplify creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Delivering the welcome address, Hemango Kishore Dutta, Joint General Manager – Corporate Affairs, IIM Shillong, highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives in shaping an innovation-led growth ecosystem.

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