SHILLONG: Governor Tathagata Roy on Wednesday said academic degrees were not mere pieces of paper, but passport to an elite class. He was speaking at the 12th convocation of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU).
He observed that education is not only about jobs but elevating graduates to a particular level where they enter the portals of a select group.
Stating that he missed the scenic beauty of Shillong, which was once covered in a canopy of greenery but is now dotted with high rise buildings and traffic congestion, he was, however, pleased to see the clusters of trees in Umpling on the outskirts of the city.
“I appeal to the state government and the University authorities to maintain the pristine atmosphere. Shillong is one place where nature is so bountiful,” he said adding that universities abroad maintain an ambience that takes people back to nature.
Educationist Billiancy Lamare was conferred Honorary Doctorate degree by the University on the occasion.
The convocation saw the passing out of 663 students, out of whom, 369 are undergraduates. Post graduate and diploma students attended the programme and were awarded their Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma degrees by MLCU. Further, seven research scholars were granted a Doctor of Philosophy and 1 was awarded an M Phil degree.
Guv at his wittiest best
The governor recalled the time when he looked after Arunachal Pradesh for a short period of time.
Known for his witty remarks, he said he had a momentous and troublesome time while in Arunachal Pradesh when he witnessed three chief ministers one after the other in office.
On what led to the state having three CMs, he said, “That is a different story. I would not like to tell it here but in a private conversation. It had a very sad end…. never mind.”
Roy informed that he will soon complete his five-year term as governor..
“I have another 8-9 months left to complete my five-year stint. I have spent nearly three years in Tripura. In between, I was there in Arunachal Pradesh doing dual duty for about two weeks.” When he noticed that some in the audience were fanning themselves, he said, “It is a gentle hint that I should come conclude my speech.”
