USTM to host 8th NE Graduate Congress from March 26
SHILLONG, March 14: The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) on Saturday announced the 8th edition of the North East Graduate Congress (NEGC) 2026, which will be held from March 26 to 28 at the university campus. The announcement was made during a press meet at the Shillong Club by organisers including ERDF Director Fidel War, USTM principal secretary Dr. Mehzabeen Rahman, Dr. Rashmi Baruah and Dr. Amilia Nongbet. The event is expected to bring together thousands of undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the Northeast. Recognised as the largest graduate meet in the region, the three-day congress provides a platform for students to interact with academicians, industrialists and entrepreneurs. The programme includes a variety of literary, cultural and sports competitions, such as debates, photography, business ideathons and painting. Cash prizes worth nearly Rs 50 lakh will be awarded to winners across various categories. A major highlight of the event is the One North East Music Festival, featuring performances by rock icon Lou Majaw, Madhubanti Bagchi, Aditya Narayan and Dharmesh Yelande, alongside regional bands. The NEGC 2026 will also see the presentation of the Zubeen Garg Fellowship, which has been instituted to recognise and support outstanding young talent in the region. Conceptualised by the Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF), the NEGC aims to nurture talent, promote regional integration, and foster leadership and innovation among the youths.
MLCU seminar explores English as a tool for empowerment and identity
SHILLONG, March 14: The School of Languages and Cultural Communication at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) hosted a regional seminar on Friday titled ‘English as Empowerment: Language, Resistance and Identity in Underrepresented Indian Communities’. The seminar was attended by keynote speaker Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, who described English as a paradoxical language that carries colonial histories while serving as a tool for socio-political influence. Cautioning against over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), she noted that AI tends to standardise language and diminish linguistic diversity and accents. Tura MP Saleng A. Sangma, who also attended the programme, highlighted the need for a balance between English and native languages. He stated that while English facilitates wider communication, indigenous languages remain essential to cultural identity and community life. Meanwhile, Prof. Jyotirmoy Prodhani, while calling English a bridge between cultures in the Northeast, suggested the language should be adapted by communities rather than imposed upon them. He remarked that English should be viewed as a tool of the educated rather than the elite. The seminar concluded with discussions on how communities can reshape English by infusing it with vernacular sensibilities to resist linguistic homogenisation. Dr. Keditsu encouraged the younger generation to use digital media to exchange indigenous knowledge and redefine global conversations on their own terms.
30 students visit border areas under Seema Darshan Yatra 2026
SHILLONG, March 14: Student’s Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL), in collaboration with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Meghalaya, organised the ‘Seema Darshan Yatra 2026’ from March 2 to March 5. Under the initiative, 30 college students from various institutions across Meghalaya participated in a border visit programme covering the West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills districts. The programme aimed to provide students with first-hand exposure to life in border areas and a deeper understanding of national security, cultural diversity and socio-economic conditions. It also sought to bridge the gap between urban youth and border communities through direct interaction and dialogue. Key objectives of the yatra include strengthening national integration, sensitising students to challenges such as infrastructure and livelihood and facilitating interaction with border guarding forces and local administrations.
NLU Meghalaya celebrates International Women’s Day
SHILLONG, March 14: National Law University (NLU) Meghalaya on Thursday celebrated International Women’s Day with a panel discussion titled ‘Give to Gain – her story: Women leading through service and storytelling’. The panel featured Prof. Esther Syiem, a bilingual writer and retired professor from NEHU; Jemimah Marak, founder of 100 Story House and member of the State Women’s Commission; and Shannon Dona Massar, co-founder of Faith Foundation. During the discussion, Prof. Syiem and Massar emphasised the importance of returning to cultural roots, noting that gender is deeply linked to development. Jemimah Marak spoke on how stories serve as powerful tools for understanding and healing. She highlighted that narrative therapy—reframing personal and collective stories—can help trauma survivors move beyond victimhood to reclaim their strength. Vice Chancellor (in-charge) KM Lyngdoh Nongbri remarked that when survivors share their experiences, they transform trauma into learning, encouraging empathy and ethical storytelling within academic and social spaces. The event, attended by Registrar Prof. Baharul Islam along with faculty and students, highlighted the role of women in carrying forward narratives of resilience, leadership, and service across generations.
Health camp held at Saipung
KHLIEHRIAT, March 14: A community health camp themed ‘Every Mother Matters, Every Child Counts’ was organised at Saipung PHC on Friday to provide essential medical services and raise awareness on maternal and child well-being in East Jaintia Hills. The programme was attended by Assistant Commissioner F. Wann, District Immunisation Officer Dr. NP Suchiang, and other senior health officials. Addressing the gathering, Wann stated that the progress of society depends on the health of mothers, as a healthy mother leads to a healthy family and community. She commended the dedication of healthcare workers serving in rural PHCs and sub-centres. Wann further noted that the district administration is utilising District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, including the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, improved sanitation and general repair work across several facilities. During the camp, Dr. Suchiang provided an update on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which was launched in the district on March 7. He informed that approximately 50 girls aged 14-15 have already received the vaccine at Pamra Paithlu PHC, Khliehriat Civil Hospital and Sutnga CHC. The vaccination drive is scheduled to continue across all district PHCs for the next three months. Medical services provided at the camp included screenings for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and breast cancer screening by a medical team from Ialong Civil Hospital. Other services included HIV/STI testing, Ayushman Bharat registration, RBSK screening and awareness sessions on food adulteration.
