The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) organised the Institutional Excellence Award–2026 programme at Dimapur on 20th June 2026, felicitating outstanding performers of the 2026 NBSE Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Examination. The event also featured a special lecture on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and career opportunities.
Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, who attended the programme as the chief guest, emphasised the need for transformative education, technological adaptation and community engagement to prepare young people for future challenges.
Highlighting the significance of NEP 2020, Along said education should be transformative rather than merely reformative, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute meaningfully to society. He urged educational institutions to move beyond conventional teaching methods and focus on innovation, practical learning and community development.
The minister observed that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging technologies are reshaping the global workforce, warning that many existing jobs may disappear in the coming decades. He called on educators and students to continuously upgrade their skills, embrace technology and apply their knowledge to solve real-world challenges, particularly in rural development. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Along said achieving a developed India and Nagaland would require collective responsibility, innovation and active participation from educational institutions, teachers and students.
Addressing the gathering, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque announced a range of scholarships and fellowship schemes exclusively for meritorious students from Nagaland. Under the initiative, 50 students will receive financial assistance based on academic merit. Of these, 10 outstanding students, including state toppers and high achievers, will be awarded full scholarships covering their academic fees. Another 15 students will receive a 50 per cent tuition fee waiver, while 25 students will be provided a monthly scholarship of ₹2,000 to support their educational expenses.
USTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma said the university is strengthening its outreach in Nagaland to enhance educational opportunities and student diversity across the North East. He highlighted USTM's academic and research achievements, including over 200 patents, globally recognised scientists and advanced research in robotics, nuclear science and space technology. Sharma noted that many USTM alumni from Nagaland are serving in government departments and have successfully cleared the Nagaland Civil Services Examination. He also highlighted the university's inclusive education policy, under which around 20 per cent of students receive free or concessional education, and appealed to educational institutions, media organisations and student bodies to help identify talented students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
A special lecture on the transformative role of NEP 2020 was delivered by North East Christian University Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Darlando T. Khathing. He encouraged students to focus on developing skills, adaptability and entrepreneurship rather than pursuing degrees solely for employment. He said NEP 2020 offers greater flexibility through multidisciplinary education, apprenticeships, multiple entry and exit options, and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), enabling students to transfer academic credits across recognised institutions. He stressed that future success would depend on continuous learning and the ability to address real-world challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, sanitation, energy and waste management.
The programme was attended by several distinguished academicians and dignitaries, including NIT Nagaland Director Prof. (Dr.) A. Elayaperumal, former Home Minister and former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Thenucho Tunyi, Livingstone Foundation International Director Ani Yepthomi, Kohima Science College Principal Dr. Temjenyabang, and All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) President Kivika Yeptho.
Institutional Excellence Awards were presented to St. John College, Dimapur; Unity College, Dimapur; Modern College, Piphema; Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur; and St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur.
Established in 2011, USTM is the first private university in North East India dedicated to science and technology. Accredited with an 'A' Grade by NAAC in its first cycle of assessment in 2021, the university continues to focus on quality education, research, innovation, sustainability and community engagement.
(Tovikali, IA, Dimapur)
