“I take this opportunity to compliment USTM for the significant progress it has made within a relatively short span of twelve years and the reputation it has earned as one of the leading centres of learning not only in the North-East but beyond.” – Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
Nongpoh, November 03: The 12th Convocation of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) was held today at the Central Auditorium of USTM, in the presence of eminent members of the judiciary, Vice-Chancellors, academicians and other distinguished personalities. A total of 1,469 students received their degrees and diplomas. These included 42 PhD scholars, 584 postgraduates, 798 undergraduates and 45 diploma holders.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, Justice Bhuyan congratulated the graduates and highlighted the deeper societal role of education. “Scientific temperament lays the foundation for the rule of law. This is because arbitrary power thrives on ignorance, fear and unexamined belief,” His Lordship emphasised.
Dr. (Mrs) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, delivered the formal Convocation Address, inspiring the students as they step into their professional journeys.
The judges present at the occasion included Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kalyan Rai Surana, Mr. Justice Soumitra Saikia, Mr. Justice Robin Phukan, Mr. Justice Kardak Ete, and Mr. Justice Unni Krishnan Nair, all Judges of the Gauhati High Court. Hon’ble Mr. Justice P.K. Deka, former Judge of the Gauhati High Court, was also present.
Among the other dignitaries were Prof. N. Nagaraju, Vice-Chancellor, The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad; Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad; Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Odisha; Prof. Shivaraj, Vice-Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University; Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice-Chancellor, Mizoram University; Prof. Awadhesh Kumar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University; Prof. Anand Bhalerao, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Rajasthan, and Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Director, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.
Earlier, the University report was presented by USTM Vice Chancellor Prof G. D. Sharma. This was followed by the award of degrees and gold medals. The P.A. Sangma Gold Medal Award went to Zakiyyah Nurul Barbhuyan, B.Sc Zoology; Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Gold Medal Award went to Florence Daimari, MA Rural Development; Chancellor’s Gold Medal Award went to Ayushi Borkakoty, B.Sc Microbiology; Visitor’s Gold Medal Award went to Porismita Bhuyan, Master of Commerce, and Zubeen Garg Memorial Gold Medal Award went to Abhirupa Kashyap, BA Psychology. In addition, 29 gold medals were presented to the best postgraduates and 34 to the best undergraduates of their respective departments.
The ceremony began with an Academic Procession of the Registrar, members of the Academic Council and the Board of Governors, Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments and award recipients. It concluded with the administration of the oath and the singing of the National Anthem.
