NEGC 2018 ends at USTM with participation of more than 10,000 students

USTM, 18 February, 2018: The three-day-long 5th edition of North East Graduate Congress (NEGC) has come to an end today at the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) with participation of more than 10,000 students from the entire north-eastern states. The valedictory function in the morning was attended by thousands of youths representing colleges from various parts of the region where prizes and awards in different disciplines were conferred to the winners.

Addressing the students, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM encouraged more and more participation of students in this flagship event of the university. He said, “If any student is brilliant and unable to go for higher education, they should get recommendation from their college Principal. Our doors are always open for meritorious students”. He emphasised on entrepreneurship and said that there has to be innovative approach in any entrepreneurial venture. He stressed on saving the environment and presented pine saplings to all the participating colleges, along with the prizes and awards.

Earlier, welcoming all the participants, DrAlakaSarma, Pro Vice Chancellor of USTM said that the students should try to spread light in and around the society they live. “If you cooperate with each other, you will reach your destination very fast and NEGC is such a friendly platform that gives you the opportunity for healthy competition”, she added.

Some of the prizes given in NEGC 2018 were, three scooters to the Best Debater (Sahil Alom Ahmed, Dispur College), the Best Graduate (Saurabh Jyoti Dutta, North Lakhimpur College) and the Best Footballer (Debabrata Duarah, USTM); cash prizes of Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 7,000 to the three Best Colleges-Koklabari Samuguri College (first), Imphal College, Manipur (second) and Pub Kamrup College (third) while 12 other colleges were awarded consolation prizes of certificates, mementoes, plants and cash awards. Other prizes include, Best Team of Cultural Procession (1st- Nagaland state, 2nd-Assam and 3rd-Manipur), Most Active College (Diphu Govt. College) and Most Disciplined College (Modern College, Manipur).

Earlier on Saturday, the event was launched by the Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi after he flagged off a colourful cultural procession representing the eight north-eastern states at the University. Besides the Governor, the inaugural function was participated by Sri RS Mooshahary, former Meghalaya Governor, Prof. Bhabesh Chandra Goswami, Vice Chancellor, Cotton University, Prof. Ved Prakash, former Chairman, UGC, Sri Dilip Tirkey, MP, Olympian and former captain of Indian hockey team, apart from other dignitaries. The Governor of Assam also laid the foundation stone of Srimanta Sankardev Block of USTM today. Thousands of students from more than 200 colleges from all over the north-eastern states participated in this mega youth conglomeration.

NEGC aims at preparing and enhancing all round development of the future graduates through guiding them and placing them in a position where they can decide what is next after graduation. The objective is to make them responsible youth and accountable citizens of this country. The event provides a platform to the college youths of all the states of North East to showcase their talents as well as get opportunity to prepare their action plan after graduation.

On Feb 17th morning, thousands of students witnessed the gala beginning of 5th NEGC with the cultural manifestations of eight sister states of the region. Each state of the North East was represented by the students of 60 communities belonging to the entire region, each state displaying indigenous cultural presentation with indigenous costumes.

Separate sessions were held simultaneously at different venues at USTM. Session on personality development by renowned motivational speaker Thomas John Rose, soft skill workshop, technical session on “Youth and Entrepreneurship” by Dr Nomal Ch. Bora, CMD, GNRC Hospitals, technical session on competitive exams by Sailen Baishya, National Workshop for Teachers titled “Extension Education”, two panel discussions on “Youth, Politics and Corruption” and “Women for Society”.