Shillong, Oct 1: Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Friday virtually addressed the 8th Annual Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya (NIT-Meghalaya).

Addressing the students, Pradhan told the graduating students to keep an open mind as knowledge is infinite and education can never really end.“You have the opportunity to learn at every stage of your life.  And I remain hopeful that you shall always have an open mind for that. The transition from students to professionals you must utilize your knowledge and skills for Meghalaya’s development and contribute to the cause of nation building. We thrive in a completely competitive world where knowledge has been at the center stage,” stressed the Education Minister. He further stated that the need of the hour is to adopt a strategy of rapid economic growth while ensuring an equitable and quality education to all. “Undoubtedly, we have the potential to establish our leadership. The need is to implement necessary changes to develop our education system as per the global standard and need,” he said.

National Education Policy a giant leap

He also shared that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country has taken a giant leap in the right direction.

Pradhan reiterated the role of National Education Policy (NEP 2020) in shaping the lives of the students and the education landscape of the country. He said, “After more than three decades we now have the National Education Policy with us, which is a visionary document of the 21st century. It has been introduced to bring out each student’s capability, universalize education, build capacities and transform the learning landscape of the Indian education system. The policy provides a lot of scope for the students of all backgrounds and aptitude. It empowers the students with the power of choice.”

He further added, “I am sure that with further implementation of the policy in its entirety, we shall witness a massive transformation of our educational landscape in quick time.”

Honorary Doctorates

On the occasion, the National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya (NIT-Meghalaya) also conferred Honorary Doctorates to two persons for their outstanding contribution in the field of their respective specialization.

Professor D N Buragohain was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his remarkable contribution to the development of general purpose software BSAFE for static and dynamic analysis and structural analysis and design of power plants at his NIT Meghalaya, India.

Neil Herbert Nongkinrih was honored by conferring an honorary Ph.D. degree for his remarkable contribution in the field of music.

In the convocation, 19 PhD, 34 M.Tech, 37 MSc and 124 B.Tech degrees were awarded by the institute to the students.