IIM Shillong unveils e President Kalam’s statue to mark his final lecture
The Indian Institute of Management, Shillong (IIM Shillong), on Monday (July 27, 2026) unveiled an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul
The Indian Institute of Management, Shillong (IIM Shillong), on Monday (July 27, 2026) unveiled an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to commemorate his final lecture at the institute. Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at the IIM’s temporary campus in Shillong’s Nongthymmai area on July 27, 2015. He died at a hospital soon after. The institute shifted to its expansive permanent campus at Umsawli on the outskirts of the Meghalaya capital.
Shishir Kumar Bajoria, the Chairman of the institute’s Board of Governors (BoG), unveiled the statue, emphasising that Dr Kalam’s ideals of integrity, innovation, and service to society continued to inspire the institute. “The statue stands as a symbol of Dr Kalam’s towering contribution to the nation and his lifelong dedication towards education, innovation, and scientific advancement,” a statement from IIM Shillong said. During his final interaction with students at IIM Shillong, Dr Kalam delivered a lecture on “How to make our planet more liveable.” He emphasised the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, scientists, industry leaders, and citizens, particularly the youth, in creating a sustainable future through innovation, environmental consciousness, ethical leadership, and responsible action.
The statement said that the message Dr Kalam shared during his final interaction with the institute remained a guiding philosophy, inspiring future generations to dream with purpose, lead with integrity, and contribute towards creating
a more sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive world. IIM Shillong BoG members Atul Kulkarni and Nitin Sharma, Director Arun Mohan Sherry, faculty members, officers, staff, and students were present during the unveiling of the statue.
The BriefWire