Kalam's legacy lives on at IIM Shillong

An eight-foot bronze statue on the campus where the People’s President delivered his final lecture stands as a tribute to the teacher whose last lesson continues to inspire generations.

Shillong, July 27: Eleven years after former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam passed away while doing what he loved most—teaching—IIM Shillong on Monday did far more than remember the People’s President. It reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of the man whose final lesson continues to inspire generations.

An eight-foot life-size bronze statue of Dr Kalam was unveiled on the very campus where he breathed his last in 2015, transforming the place forever associated with his passing into a lasting symbol of his vision and legacy. The statue was unveiled by Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman of the Board of Governors, in the presence of board members, Director Prof. (Dr.) Arun Mohan Sherry, faculty, officers, staff and students.

To generations of students, Dr Kalam was never merely a former President or an eminent scientist. He was “Kalam Sir”—the mentor who believed the future of the nation was shaped inside its classrooms. That conviction was reflected in his final journey to Shillong. Rather than slowing down after a lifetime of public service, he chose to spend his last moments doing what defined him—interacting with young minds, urging them to dream, innovate, lead with integrity and build a more liveable world.

Reaffirming its commitment to Dr Kalam’s vision, the institute said his ideals of collective responsibility, ethical leadership, environmental consciousness and innovation continue to guide IIM Shillong in nurturing future leaders committed to making the planet more liveable.

Members of the IIM Shillong fraternity later offered floral tributes at the newly unveiled statue, honouring a leader who devoted his life to nurturing young minds. For many students, colleagues and admirers, Dr Kalam remains not just one of India’s most beloved Presidents, but a mentor whose words continue to shape lives.

The institute continues to honour his memory through the annual Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Lecture, ensuring that his association with Shillong lives on. But for the city—and for millions of Indians—his deepest legacy lies beyond memorials. It was here, while delivering his final lecture to students, that the man affectionately known as “Kalam Sir” taught his last lesson before his voice fell silent.

In death, as in life, Dr Kalam remained a teacher. And on the campus where he spent his final moments doing what he loved most, his legacy continues to inspire every new generation that walks through the halls of IIM Shillong.

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