Excellence award for USTM head, turmeric farmer

SHILLONG, Aug 26: Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Mahbubul Hoque and Padma Shri Trinity Saioo were conferred with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service at the Raj Bhavan here on Friday.
Saioo received the award for developing rural women-owned sustainable organic farming to grow the Lakadong variety of turmeric while Hoque was awarded for his pioneering and outstanding contribution in the field of higher and technical education.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Satya Pal Malik called them individuals of change and said both Hoque and Saioo worked hard for the uplift of people around them.
“They have envisioned to make rural lives better,” the Governor said, adding that both have made a selfless contribution to society.
Hoque said this honour would encourage USTM to excel further in education. He added that the university has been inspired by two great leaders of Meghalaya – Purno A Sangma and Donkupar Roy.
Saioo said the honour has encouraged her to help the farmers and the needy more. She appealed to all to taste the Lakadong turmeric which has medicinal value.