The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) honoured the top-performing students of the NBSE HSSLC Examination 2025 with cash awards and certificates of excellence, in a grand felicitation ceremony held during the “Career Opportunities Workshop in the context of NEP 2020” at Livingstone Foundation International School, Dimapur on 4th July, 2025.
The event was graced by an esteemed panel of dignitaries, including Former Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, North East Christian University, Dr. Darlando T. Khathing, HoD, Department of Horticulture & In charge Pro-Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University Medziphema Campus, Prof. Pauline Alila, Chancellor, USTM, Mahbubul Hoque, Vice Chancellor, USTM, Prof. G.D. Sharma, and Former Home Minister, Government of Nagaland, Thenucho Tunyi,
Speaking on the occasion, Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, appreciated USTM’s mission and vision stating that, “I appreciate USTM for being a model of diversity and inclusivity, drawing students from across the Northeast and beyond. The university’s focus on skill development, innovation, and real-world readiness rather than just degree accumulation is exactly what this new education policy envisions. This is the kind of institutional mindset that can truly transform the region. “NEP-2020 is not just a policy shift; it is a philosophical rethinking of what education should mean in the 21st century,” Jamir stated. “Our youth must be empowered with skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning if we want to see a self-reliant and progressive India.” He also urged institutions like USTM to become flag-bearers of this reform by adopting holistic and learner-centric teaching models.
Prof. Pauline Alila emphasized how the policy is not just a reform in academics, but a revolutionary step towards creating future-ready citizens equipped with relevant skills, creativity, and global competitiveness. She also noted that how NEP 2020 empowers students through multidisciplinary learning, vocational training, and digital education tools. “This policy gives students the freedom to explore subjects across traditional streams, enabling unique combinations like music with physics, or data science with arts,” she said.
Highlighthing the event, she said that, NEP 2020 promotes skill-based learning starting from Grade 6, with a strong focus on internships and hands-on experiences. By doing so, it aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and the practical demands of the job market. The integration of technology and innovation, through platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM, marks a significant shift in how education is delivered. Early introduction to coding, robotics, AI, and data science is preparing students for careers in emerging fields like cyber security, e-commerce, and software development. One of the key career enablers highlighted was the Academic Bank of Credits, which allows flexible and transferable learning across institutions, thereby encouraging lifelong learning. This initiative, combined with entrepreneurial training and support for start-ups and social enterprises, is expected to greatly enhance employability and innovation among youth. NEP 2020 also places a renewed focus on Indian languages and traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda, yoga, and classical literature. These domains not only preserve cultural heritage but also open career opportunities in translation, wellness, and cultural tourism.
In her concluding remarks, she said “NEP 2020 is about giving power back to the learner. It is about making education inclusive, flexible, and meaningful. It empowers students, teachers, and parents alike to choose, adapt, and thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Other distinguished guests also spoke on the occasion, sharing their valuable insights on the evolving education landscape, the beauty and the drive of USTM’s rise and development in its mission to success, the importance of skill development under NEP-2020, encouraging students to strive for excellence and nation-building.
The workshop included interactive sessions on career planning, emerging fields, and the impact of NEP 2020 on higher education and employment trends. Students, parents, school teachers, and educationists from across the region participated actively in the sessions.
The Head of Sociology Department, Dr Kughatoli Aye, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries, especially Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd.), the former Chief Secretary, and other esteemed guests for their presence and valuable insights. Special appreciation was extended to the media, students, and all participants for making the event a meaningful and memorable one.
The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya, graded ‘A’ by NAAC, has been ranked among the Top 200 Universities of India by NIRF, Govt of India, for the last three consecutive years. Spread across a panoramic terrain surrounded by serene, luxuriant greenery, USTM runs nine schools of study on the University campus, including the newly established PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital. With an enrolment of more than 6,500 students, USTM is providing free and concessional education to 20% of students, 90% are rural students, 38% are tribal students, and 57% are female students.
More than 150 students have successfully cleared the UGC/CSIR NET examinations this year from the university. In a landmark gesture to support education in the state, the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) announced 50 full scholarships for meritorious and economically disadvantaged students of Nagaland. These scholarships will cover the cost of higher education at USTM, ensuring that talent is not held back by financial limitations.
In addition to this, USTM will also adopt 5 deserving students from Nagaland each year to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, offering them free coaching, mentorship, and complete academic support as part of its commitment to nation-building and leadership development.
(Limatoshi, IA Dimapur)
