UMIAM, OCT 31: The Academic Assembly 2026, themed “Transforming Classrooms through NEP 2020: Integrating Indigenous Wisdom, Culture and Experiential Learning,” was inaugurated at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Umiam, Ri-Bhoi district, on Saturday.
The programme was jointly organised by Purvottar Janajati Shiksha Samiti (PJSS) and CPGSAS, with support from ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) and Meghalaya Shiksha Samiti, under the leadership of CAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anupam Mishra. It was coordinated by Prof. Dwipendra Thakuria, Director of Instruction, CAU, and Dean, CPGSAS.
Dr. B. D. R. Tiwari, IAS, Chief Election Commissioner of Meghalaya, attended as the chief guest, while Prof. Debabrata Das, President of PJSS and Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University, presided over the inaugural session. Other dignitaries included Mananiya Brahma Ji Rao, All India Secretary of Vidya Bharati; Dr. Govindasamy Kadirvel, Director of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region; Prof. Ganga Prasad Parsain, President of Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra; Smt. Pubalee Dutta Bujarbaruah, Senior Advocate, Meghalaya High Court; and Prof. Shantaram Joshi, President of Meghalaya Shiksha Samiti.
In his address, Dr. Tiwari emphasised the importance of preserving India’s civilisational values, cultural diversity, indigenous knowledge and biodiversity while pursuing sustainable development. Referring to the principles of Madhyam Marg, Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah and Sangachchhadhwam, he called for collective welfare, social harmony and stronger family values.
He also stressed the need to protect the languages, traditions and identities of smaller communities, particularly in the North-East, and appreciated Vidya Bharati’s efforts to preserve India’s cultural heritage. He urged stakeholders to work together towards building an inclusive, peaceful and sustainable society.
Earlier, Prof. S.R. Joshi, President of Meghalaya Shiksha Samiti, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of education, institutional collaboration and societal development. Prof. Debabrata Das, in his opening remarks, spoke about the role of educational institutions in shaping responsible citizens and highlighted the four pillars of Viksit Bharat.
The inaugural ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and prayers, followed by the felicitation of dignitaries. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dwipendra Thakuria.
The assembly aims to provide a platform for academic interaction and collaboration, with particular emphasis on integrating indigenous knowledge, culture and experiential learning into the education system under NEP 2020.
