The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) successfully conducted its 10th Convocation today, attended by numerous Vice Chancellors, academics, and other notable figures. A total of 1,639 graduates received their degrees, including 17 PhD scholars, 906 Postgraduate students, and 716 Undergraduate students.
In recognition of their significant contributions to art, culture, outreach, peace, harmony, and societal development, cultural icons Zubeen Garg and Lou Majaw were awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degrees.
The Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, who serves as the Visitor of USTM, extended his congratulations to the university and the graduates, including the Honorary D.Litt. recipients, despite being unable to attend the event due to unforeseen circumstances. The convocation was presided over by Mahbubul Hoque, the Chancellor of USTM.
The Convocation address was delivered by Prof. Ved Prakash, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), with a special address by Prof. V. N. Rajsekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyasagar University, Mumbai, and former Chairman of UGC and Director of NAAC. Both Zubeen Garg and Lou Majaw expressed their gratitude during their acceptance speeches.
Distinguished guests at the event included several Vice Chancellors from universities across India, including Prof. Neelima Gupta of Dr Harisingh Gour University, Prof. Mohammad Afshar Alam of Jamia Hamdard, Prof. Ami U. Upadhyay of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka of Mizoram University, Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain of Tripura University, Prof. Saket Kushwaha of Rajiv Gandhi University, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla of North-Eastern Hill University, and Dr R.M. Pant of Assam University.
Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, while welcoming the participants, reiterated USTM’s ambition to become a world-class institution and called on stakeholders to contribute to the university’s growth and the nation-building process. He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya for its support in establishing USTM.
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Earlier, the USTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. G. D. Sharma, presented the University report, which was followed by the conferment of degrees and gold medals. In addition to the Honorary D.Litt. degrees, several students received awards, including the Visitor’s Best Student Award to Kasim Ampang Sangma (MA Rural Development), the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Best PG Student award to Manash Pratim Sarmah (M.Sc Zoology), the Chancellor’s Best Student Award to Mustafizur Rahman (B.Sc. Chemistry), and the PA Sangma Best UG Student award to Sujata Kumari (B. Pharm). A total of 23 gold medals were awarded to the top Postgraduates of various departments, while 22 gold medals were given to the best Undergraduate students.
The Convocation commenced with an Academic Procession that included the University Registrar, Academic Council members, Board of Governors, Deans, Department Heads, and award recipients.
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