Ri-Bhoi (Meghalaya), March 30: The three-day 8th North East Graduate Congress (NEGC)
2026, hosted by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, concluded successfully with a
grand Valedictory Session, marking the culmination of one of the largest and most vibrant youth-
centric academic, cultural, and sporting festivals in the North East.
The Congress witnessed enthusiastic participation from thousands of students representing leading
colleges and universities across the country. The Valedictory Session was graced by Shri Wailadmiki
Shylla, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of
Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest, and C. P. Marak, Chairman, Lokayukta, Government of
Meghalaya, as the Distinguished Guest along with the presence of distinguished Vice Chancellors
from leading institutions across the region, including Prof Nasir Ahmed Khan of Apex Professional
University, Prof Amerendra Kumar Das of Tezpur University, and Prof Rajendra Prasad Das of K.K.
Handiqui State Open University, according to a Press Release.
The programme began with a welcome address by Anju Hazarika, Registrar, USTM, followed by
the Valedictory Address delivered by Prof G. D. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of USTM
Highlighting the importance of youth engagement, Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister,
emphasised the role of platforms like NEGC in shaping future leaders and fostering holistic
development through academics, sports, innovation, and cultural integration.
A major highlight of the valedictory session was the Prize Distribution Ceremony, where winners
across a wide array of competitions—including Robo Soccer, Business Ideathon, AI & Innovation,
Quiz, Debate, Extempore Speech, Moot Court, sports events, and cultural competitions—were
honoured for their outstanding performances.
Participants competed for whopping cash prizes
amounting to nearly ₹50 lakh, making the Congress one of the most rewarding youth platforms in
the region. The Moot Court Competition witnessed intense participation from premier law
institutions, with teams from National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam securing top
honours, while J.B. Law College earned multiple accolades including Best Memorial and Best
Speaker. The Debate segment also stood out, with participants showcasing exceptional oratory skills
and critical thinking.
The prestigious Best Performing College Award was conferred upon Koklabari Chapaguri
College, Hazuwa, Baksa, in recognition of its exceptional overall performance across multiple
disciplines during the Congress, emerging as the top-performing institution of NEGC 2026.
Adding grandeur to the closing of NEGC 2026 was the much-anticipated three-day Bollywood Nights
and One North East Music Festival, which turned the campus into a spectacular celebration of
music and culture. The event featured electrifying performances by renowned artists, including Lou
Majaw, Madhubanti Bagchi, Aditya Narayan, and Dharmesh Yelande, as well as popular regional
bands like Hillphonic and other artists from across the Northeast.
With its successful conclusion, NEGC 2026 has once again reaffirmed its position as a landmark youth festival of the North East.
Established in 2011, USTM is the first state private university in Science and Technology in North
East India and was accredited with an ‘A Grade’ by NAAC in its first cycle in 2021. The university
continues to play a pivotal role in advancing quality higher education, fostering innovation, and
driving socio-economic development in the North East region.
