By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In addressing the graduates at the fifth convocation of MLCU, the Chief Guest, Paul Lyngdoh, MLA from Jaiaw and the Working President and spokesperson of the United Democratic Party, stressed the importance of goal-setting and focusing on achievement, pointing to the acclaimed success of Mary Kom.
He said that the graduates should not be afraid of the many distractions and discouragements that may come their way. He concluded by telling the graduates and students, “Like most of you, I am of small stature, from a small tribe in a small state, but let us not be afraid of having big dreams”.
The convocation address was delivered by Padma Shri Dr. Darshan Shankar, Chairman of the Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine and Advisor to the Foundation for the Revitalization of Local Health Traditions in Bangalore. He stressed the importance of embracing modernity and globalization, while still remaining rooted in one’s cultural heritage.
He quoted Rabindranath Tagore who said, “”I would let the winds of the world blow through the doors and windows of my house but I will not be blown away”. He appealed to MLCU to build on its commitment and work in indigenous knowledge and use traditional pedagogies in its curriculum.
In his report, the vice chancellor, Dr Glenn C Kharkongor, spoke of the growth of the university.
About four thousand students have enrolled, including students from all eight states of the Northeast and from Burma, Bangladesh and Thailand. More than 1600 have graduated and there are 150 faculty and staff.
The university has acquired land for a new campus and a cooperative land ownership scheme for the staff has been initiated.
Degrees were awarded to 440 graduates and postgraduates from 14 disciplines.
Doctorates were awarded to Junie Pearl Lyngdoh, Larilin Kharpuri and Evarisha Mercy Syiem. Janang R Sangma and Kanchan Tamang spoke on behalf of the graduates.