The Tenth Convocation of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has been held successfully here today in the presence of a galaxy of Vice Chancellors, Academicians, and other eminent personalities. Altogether 1,639 graduates were awarded degrees, out of which 17 scholars were awarded Ph.D degrees, 906 students were awarded Post Graduate degrees, and 716 students were awarded Undergraduate degrees. Two cultural icons of Assam and Meghalaya -- Shri Zubeen Garg and Shri Lou Majaw were conferred Honorary D.Litt. degrees for their outstanding contribution in the field of art and culture, outreach activities, peace, harmony, and development of society.

The Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, who is the Visitor of USTM, has extended his warm greetings to USTM and congratulated the recipients of the Hon. D.Litt. as well as all the graduating students at the 10th Convocation. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to attend the Convocation. The convocation was presided over by Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM.

The Convocation address was delivered by Prof. Ved Prakash, Former Chairman, UGC. Special address was made by Prof. V. N. Rajsekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyasagar University, Mumbai & Former Chairman, UGC & Former Director, NAAC. The recipients of the Honorary Doctorate degrees, Shri Zubeen Garg and Shri Lou Majaw, presented acceptance remarks after receiving the degrees.

Distinguished dignitaries present in the Convocation include Prof. Neelima Gupta, VC, Dr. Harisingh Gour University; Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Afshar Alam, VC, Jamia Hamdard; Prof. (Dr.) Ami U. Upadhyay, VC, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad; Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University; Prof. (Dr.) Sat Prakash Bansal, VC, Central University of Himachal Pradesh; Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain, VC, Tripura University; Prof. Saket Kushwaha, VC, Rajiv Gandhi University; Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, VC, NEHU, Shillong; Dr. R.M. Pant, VC, Assam University, Silchar.

The Chancellor of USTM Shri Mahbubul Hoque welcomed all for their participation and said, “We aspire to become a world-class university and appeal to all the stakeholders to join us in our endeavor to transform this university into a world-class institution and participate in the nation-building process”. He also expressed his gratefulness to the Government of Meghalaya for its support in establishing USTM.

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. Honorary D. Litt. Degrees were conferred upon Shri Zubeen Garg and Shri Lou Majaw. Visitor’s Best Student Award went to Kasim Ampang Sangma, MA Rural Development; Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Best PG Student award went to Manash Pratim Sarmah, M.Sc Zoology; Chancellor’s Best Student Award went to Mustafizur Rahman, B.Sc. Chemistry, and PA Sangma Best UG student award went to Sujata Kumari, B. Pharm. Apart from this, 23 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.

The Convocation began with the grand and elegant Academic Procession which was participated by the Registrar of the University, Academic Council members, members of Board of Governors, Deans of different schools, Heads of different Departments, and the Award recipients. The Convocation came to a close with the administration of oath and the signing of the National Anthem.