“Inculcate the Spirit of our Freedom Fighters: USTM Chancellor on R Day”

 9 th Mile, Ri Bhoi, 26 January 2023: As the Nation celebrates its 74 th Republic Day to

remember the day India’s Constitution came into force, the University of Science and

Technology Meghalaya (USTM) too celebrated the day today with enthusiastic participation

of students, faculties and administrative staff. The tricolour was unfurled at 8.30 in the

morning by the university’s Chancellor, Shri Mahbubul Hoque, in the presence of Vice

Chancellor Prof G. D. Sharma, Pro VC Dr BK Das, Advisor Dr RK Sharma, other officials,

faculty members and students at the university campus.

After the flag hoisting and the national anthem, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof

GD Sharma, addressed the large gathering. “This is a proud moment for us, a moment to

realise that all these days, our Constitution has given us the right to respect each other and

live in harmony. In the diversity of our culture and languages, unity is provided by the

Nation’s Constitution under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar,” he said.

Remembering the first Prime Minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Shri Mahbubul Hoque,

Chancellor of USTM, said that even in those crisis times after Independence, the visionary

leaders of our country thought of establishing IITs. “They are our real heroes, and we must

follow in their footsteps. We have to inculcate the ideals and spirit of our freedom fighters”,

he said. He referred to Dr BR Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and

said, “Education makes us socially responsible citizens. For those who do not understand the

needs of society, their education is useless”. “We have to produce quality human resources;

we must care for the needs of our people, and we must be accountable. Bering educated, we

are more responsible people”, he added.

The programme was also addressed by other dignitaries and student representatives with

patriotic speeches. Students sang patriotic songs to mark the Republic Day celebrations.