The Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan, presided over the 9th Convocation of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) in the presence of a slew of Vice Chancellors, Ministers, Ambassadors, heads of institutions, and other dignitaries. There were 1655 graduates in all, with 14 scholars receiving Ph.D degrees, 669 students receiving Post Graduate degrees, and 972 students receiving Undergraduate degrees. Tariq Chauhan, CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group in the UAE, Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas in New Delhi, and L. Roy, Former Chairman of the Meghalaya Private Universities Regulatory Board were all awarded Honorary D.Litt degrees by the Governor of Meghalaya and the Visitor USTM.
Prof. Santishree D. Pandit, VC, JNU, New Delhi, presented the Convocation address. Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Art and Culture and Social Welfare, Meghalaya; Prof R. M. Pant, VC, Assam University; Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, VC, NEHU; Prof Dibakar Chandra Deka, VC, Mizoram University; Prof Indrajit Dube, VC, National Law University, Meghalaya; and Prof GD Sharma, VC, USTM are among the distinguished dignitaries present at the Convocation. Ambassadors from five African nations also attended, making the celebration truly global. Mustapha Jawara, Ambassador of Gambia in India, H.E. Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan in India, H.E. Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia in India, H.E. Gilbert Shimane Mangole, Ambassador of Botswana in India, and Peter Hobwani, Ambassador of Zimbabwe in India were among the African Ambassadors.
Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan congratulated the graduates, saying, "The university is an outcome of its founder Mahbubul Hoque's vision to change the lives of the people of the region by empowering them with education." I am glad to see that USTM offers free education to worthy students from low-income households, ensuring that higher education remains accessible and egalitarian." He complimented all of the Honorary D.Litt. honorees and praised USTM for recognizing the awardees' outstanding efforts. "Do not be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions," JNU VC Prof. Santishree D. Pandit remarked in her Convocation Address. Dare to dream big and don't allow fear of failure stop you. Accept the unknown and have unshakeable faith in your abilities.” She urged the students to become part of the unfolding success story of India while contributing to it.
"We aspire to become a world-class university and appeal to all stakeholders to join us in our endeavor to transform this university into a world-class institution and participate in the nation-building process," said USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque. He also thanked the Government of Meghalaya for its assistance in establishing USTM. Earlier, USTM Vice Chancellor Prof G. D. Sharma delivered the University report. This was followed by the presentation of degrees and gold medals. Best Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jhuma Khatun, MA Rural Development, was named Best PG Student, while PA Sangma was named Best PA. Atiqur Rahman, B.Sc. Physics, received the UG student award; Ms Lipavi Yepthomi received the Visitor's Best Student Award; and Ms Lipavi Yepthomi received the Chancellor's Best Student Award went to Kughali G Assumi, MA Political Science. Apart from this, 24 gold medals were awarded to the best Post Graduates of the respective departments while 22 gold medals were given away to the best Undergraduate students from different departments.
Tariq Chauhan received Honorary D.Litt degrees for his extraordinary devotion to philanthropic, benevolent, and humanitarian actions that have tremendously benefitted our community. Dr. Atul Kothari was acknowledged for his remarkable efforts to pushing changes within the education system, while L. Roy was awarded an Honorary Degree for his essential role in recognizing and promoting great accomplishments in the field of administration. The stately and exquisite Academic Procession was led by the Registrar of the University, Academic Council members, members of the Board of Governors, Deans of several schools, Heads of various Departments, and the Award winners. The Convocation concluded with the administering of the oath of office and the signing of the National Anthem.
