Shillong, Nov 28: Meghalaya Governor, Tathagata Roy called upon the youth to take advantage of the potential in tourism while Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma stressed on the importance of entrepreneurship that can empower the youth and make them job givers.
The Governor and Chief Minister implored upon the youth while speaking at the 25th Convocation of NEHU at the convocation hall, Mawlai Umshing on Wednesday.
A total of 8,653 candidates were conferred degrees and the Governor and Chief Minister gave away certificates to the successful candidates.
There were 6,653 candidates who received their degrees in absentia, 147 PhD, 38 M.Phil, and 1,222 post graduate and 7,246 bachelor’s degrees.
However the Convocation was held amid boycott by teachers under the banner of North Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA).
The NEHUTA boycotted the convocation alleging violations of important provisions of statutes and practices of the University, and the University court meetings have not been held for the last three years.
The Nehuta in its statement said, as per section 19 (2) (a) and (b) of NEHU Act, 1973, court meetings should be held for approval of annual accounts, budget and annual audit reports and the same should be submitted to the Parliament. They said that though the University court is the highest statutory authority of the university but the present Vice Chancellor has bypassed it.
The general body meeting of Nehuta held on November 22 discussed all pending issues of teachers, which involve serious statutory violations.
As per statutory provisions, the Nehuta said, four weeks before the convocation, the notification giving a detailed programme for convocation has to be given to every member, but this was not followed.
Governor urged the young students to remain focused on their goals to succeed in life while describing youth time as for time for opportunities that as they walk out of the portals of the University.
Congratulating the students and scholars who have completed the academic program, the Governor encouraged the young people to utilise their talents and capabilities to work for the betterment and overall progress of the society.
Talking about tourism potential in Meghalaya and the whole Northeast, the Governor urged the youth to take advantage of this potential while citing an example of Goa in which people depend their livelihood on tourism. “Tourism is a money spinner, but we are not able to tap its potential fully,†he observed.
The Chief Minister exhorted the young people to channelize their energy in a constructive manner and contribute to the positive growth of the State and the country considering the fact that India is one of the youngest nations and the nation’s strength lies in the hands of the youth.
Stressing on the importance of entrepreneurship to push the economy forward the Chief Minister urged the young graduates to be “job giversâ€.
“Creating job opportunities is a challenge for all governments, it is important that all the young minds look towards entrepreneurship and start taking calculated risk,†he added.
The Chief Minister also spoke at length on the need for greater collaboration between the government agencies and academic and research institutes for better policy making and greater innovation in the implementation of programs and projects of the government.
“The Government has taken the initiative to collaborate with research and educational institutes including NEHU in the agriculture, finance and other sectors. Through the use of the right technology and scientific methods, we are being able to add value to our productsâ€, the Chief Minister said.
Stating that the North East has abundant resources, the Chief Minister encouraged the young people to take advantage of these vast opportunities.
“It is important to have a purpose in life and once you do, you will have all the passion and motivation to overcome all that life throws at you and emerge victoriousâ€, the Chief Minister concluded.
NEHU Vice Chancellor, Professor S.K. Srivastava, Pro Vice Chancellors, Professor Henry Lamin, and Professor G. Singaiah, faculty members, students and parents, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
