From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Aug 31: The ninth convocation of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) was held on Thursday in the presence of a galaxy of vice chancellors, ministers, ambassadors, heads of institutions and other dignitaries.
Altogether 1,655 graduates were awarded degrees, out of which 14 scholars were awarded PhD degrees, 669 students were awarded postgraduate degrees while 972 students were awarded undergraduate degrees.
Besides, Tariq Chauhan, chief executive officer of EFS Facilities Services Group, UAE; Atul Kothari, national secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi; and L Roy, former chairman of the Meghalaya Private Universities Regulatory Board received the honorary D.Litt. degrees from the Governor of Meghalaya.
Chauhan received the recognition for his remarkable dedication to philanthropic, charitable and humanitarian activities; Kothari was recognised for his outstanding contributions in driving reforms within the education system while Roy received the honorary degree
in appreciation of his pivotal role in the field of administration.
Presiding over the convocation, Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan congratulated the graduates and said, “The university is an outcome of founder Mahbubul Hoque’s vision to change the lives of the people of the region by empowering them with education. I am pleased to know that USTM is providing free education to deserving students from economically backward families, thereby ensuring that higher education remains accessible and equitable.”
He further congratulated the honorary D.Litt. awardees and thanked USTM for recognising the work done by the awardees.
Delivering her convocation address, JNU vice-chancellor Santishree D. Pandit said, “Do not be afraid to take risks and pursue your passion. Dare to dream big and don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Embrace the unknown and have unwavering trust in your abilities.”
She urged the students to become part of the unfolding success story of India while contributing to it.
Earlier, the university report was presented by USTM vice chancellor G.D Sharma, following which the degrees and gold medals were awarded.
The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Best PG Student award went to Jhuma Khatun (MA, Rural Development); PA Sangma Best UG student award went to Atiqur Rahman (B.Sc, Physics); Visitor’s Best Student Award went to Lipavi Yepthomi while the Chancellor’s Best Student Award went to Kughali G Assumi.
Besides, 24 gold medals were awarded to the best postgraduates of the respective departments while 22 gold medals were given to the best undergraduate students from different departments.