GUWAHATI: Professor Abdul Mannan, Chairman, University Grants Commission, Bangladesh was honoured on Wednesday by the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) through the conferment of Honorary D. Litt. Degree at a Special Convocation Ceremony held here.
The occasion was graced by Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Education Minister, Assam, Dr Mridul Hazarika, VC, Gauhati University, Dr J S Patil, VC, National Law university, Dr Dhiraj Bora, VC, Assam Science and Technology University, Prof NC Talukdar, Director, IASST, Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury, VC, Assam Down Town University and others.
The Education Minister of Assam and the UGC Chairman of Bangladesh discussed with Vice Chancellors of Universities and Directors of Institutions from Assam and Meghalaya on “Bilateral Collaboration Opportunities in the Field of Higher Education between Bangladesh and North East India”. The discussion programme was jointly organised at Guwahati by USTM and Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Guwahati.
Welcoming the august gathering, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM expressed his gratitude to the UGC Chairman, Bangladesh for accepting the honour bestowed by USTM. Dr P K Goswami, Vice Chancellor of USTM took forward the proceedings of the Special Convocation ceremony. The Honorary D. Litt Degree was handed over to Prof Abdul Mannan by Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Education Minister of Assam.
After receiving the Degree for his humble contribution in the field of education in Bangladesh, Prof Mannan said,“By bestowing this prestigious degree, you have not only honoured me, but also my country Bangladesh. I dedicate this Degree to my parents, my teachers and the thousands of students I have been associated with.” He said that the relationship between India and Bangladesh will be lasting forever. The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Alaka Sarma, Pro VC, USTM.
The Bangladesh UGC Chairman will also address the 3rd Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Lecture organised by USTM on 25th October. The annual lecture has been organised in the honour of Dr Kalam and will be attended by students, teachers and dignitaries, including Prof Ved Prakash, Formar UGC Chairman and Prof Sanjay Deshmukh, Former Vice Chancellor, Mumbai University.