Shillong, April 4: Life is full of challenges and uncertainty. And perhaps, no one feels this more than students standing at the threshold of graduation, carrying the weight of expectations while still unsure of their next steps. As they prepare to step into the professional world, the sense of uncertainty can be overwhelming. Yet, it is in these very moments of doubt and difficulty that resilience is forged, and life’s most valuable lessons are learned. The way forward, as Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma believes, is to stay focused, gauge the bigger picture, and let each experience — whether a success or a setback — shape the journey ahead.
“This (life) is a marathon. Don’t allow anything to distract you,” advised the Chief Minister to the students at the 16th Convocation at IIM Shillong and remined them that life requires perseverance, resilience, and commitment to their passions. “As you move forward in life, you will face different situations and challenges. This is an important transition, and how you navigate it will define your journey,” he further underscored.
Recalling his own experiences, the chief minister shared personal anecdotes about the uncertainty he faced after graduation and the setbacks in his early career. “I remember standing at my own graduation, unsure of what to do next. But one thing I have learned along the way is that life is not about a single moment or event—it’s about the entire journey,” he said.
He recounted his first electoral defeat and how he transformed failure into motivation to achieve success. “I lost my first election, but I learned from my failures. Eventually, I won and became an MP, then an MLA, then Finance Minister, and today, the Chief Minister. The most important decisions in life are often the hardest ones. But when you follow your heart and do what you truly believe in, the journey becomes meaningful,” he shared.
Speaking on Meghalaya’s economic progress, he spoke at length on the growth journey of the state. “Our GDP has grown from ₹9,000 crores to over ₹30,000 crores in just three years. Investments have tripled, and government expenditure is now being channelled into high-impact sectors that drive meaningful change,” he added.
Exhorting the graduates to embrace adaptability and entrepreneurship, he said, “You are stepping into a world of rapid transitions, but within these transitions lie the greatest opportunities. The greatest minds are not just those who work hard and are intelligent—it is those who embrace challenges and create opportunities.”
Talking about leadership and being human, he said “No matter how intelligent you are or which institute you graduate from, at the end of the day, it is the human in you that truly matters. A simple smile or a kind gesture can change a person’s life.”
Talking about his approach to governance, he recalled his early career days after graduating from The Wharton School and how he studied the state’s policies to understand the way forward. “Upon returning to Meghalaya, I spent a month studying the state’s policies and realized they were vastly different from those of other nations that were progressing at a much faster pace. My academic research had focused on governance and economic facilitation, and 15 years later, as Chief Minister, I found myself implementing many of the ideas from my dissertation,” he said.
Through his studies, he realized that the government’s role should be minimal but highly facilitative, ensuring a smooth process for economic growth. “It highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in driving an economy and the necessity of creating an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship exists at various levels—whether it’s a large-scale enterprise, a small food processing unit, or even a cooperative group. The entrepreneurial spirit is what truly matters,” he said.
He told the gathering that his ideas, his learning during his business school has shaped into policies, which he is implementing. “My message to you is this—never underestimate the value of the conversations, experiences, and exposure you gain in a premier institution like IIM Shillong. The knowledge you acquire here may hold immense significance in your future, just as it did for me”, he added.
Later, he also presented medals to meritorious students.
President of Honeywell India Ashish Modi, Chairman Board of Governors, IIM Shillong Shishir Kumar Bajoria and Director IIM Shillong Prof D P Goyal were present and spoke on the occasion.
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