GUWAHATI/SHILLONG, Sep 20: Former Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri has been conferred with the honorary D.Litt degree by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) during the 8th Convocation of the university which was held at the central auditorium of USTM on Tuesday.
The degree was presented to him by Governor Satya Pal Malik.
After being awarded the degree, an elated Chaudhuri termed the experience as humbling. “It’s a really humbling experience and it was not anticipated. I feel elated when such accolade comes your way. Nobody works thinking of recognition but when such things come your way, you humbly accept it,” he said.
Padma Shri Manas Chaudhuri is the Managing Director and former Editor of The Shillong Times.
During the convocation, a total of 1,305 graduates were awarded degrees in the presence of a galaxy of vice chancellors, heads of institutions and dignitaries.
Of the graduates, 15 scholars were awarded PhD degrees, 775 students were awarded postgraduate degrees while 515 students were awarded their undergraduate degrees.
Besides Chaudhuri, the honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) degree was conferred upon NN Dutta, founder and Chancellor of Assam Down Town University.
In his convocation address, vice-chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, BJ Rao, said, “A degree is no longer a passage to certain employment. There is a need to add new skills with the latest technologies. Innovation and creativity are the keywords of our times”.
He urged the students to realise their responsibilities towards the country and the society at large.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Satya Pal Malik said, “The University is an outcome of its founder Mahbubul Hoque’s vision to change lives of the people of the region by empowering them with education”.
USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque welcomed the attendees for their participation. He said, “We aspire to become a world class university and appeal to all the stakeholders to join us in our endeavour to transform this university into a world class institution and participate in the nation-building process”.
Earlier, the university report was presented by USTM Vice-Chancellor GD Sharma. This was followed by award of degrees and gold medals.
The APJ Abdul Kalam Best PG Student award was conferred upon Ajungla Kundang, while the PA Sangma Best UG student award was given to Yashodhara Goswami.
Moreover, 24 gold medals were awarded to the best post-graduates of the respective departments and 21 gold medals were awarded to the best undergraduate students from different departments.
Education Minister of Meghalaya Lahkmen Rymbui and a host of Vice Chancellors graced the occasion as guests of honour.
