The prestigious best performing college Award was bagged by Koklabari Chapaguri College (KCC), Hazuwa, Baksa, which excelled across multiple disciplines to emerge as the top-performing institution of this year’s Congress, as the 8th edition of the North East Graduate Congress (NEGC) 2026, hosted by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) concluded on March 30 with a grand cultural finale, marking the end of one of the region’s largest youth-centric academic, innovation, and cultural platforms.
Over three days, thousands of students from leading colleges and universities across India participated in a wide range of activities spanning academics, sports, technology, and performing arts. The Valedictory Session was attended by Meghalaya’s Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Sports & Youth Affairs, Wailadmiki Shylla, as Chief Guest, and Chairman of the Lokayukta, Meghalaya, C. P. Marak as Distinguished Guest. Vice Chancellors from prominent institutions—including Prof Nasir Ahmed Khan (Apex Professional University), Prof Amarendra Kumar Das (Tezpur University), and Prof Rajendra Prasad Das (K.K. Handiqui State Open University)—also graced the occasion.
The programme opened with a welcome address by USTM Registrar Anju Hazarika, followed by the Valedictory Address delivered by USTM Vice Chancellor Prof G. D. Sharma. In his speech, Shylla highlighted NEGC’s vital role in nurturing leadership, fostering holistic development, and strengthening cultural unity among youth. A major attraction of the event was the Prize Distribution Ceremony, where winners of competitions such as Robo Soccer, Business Ideathon, AI & Innovation, Quiz, Debate, Extempore, Moot Court, sports events, and cultural performances were felicitated. With cash prizes amounting to nearly Rs. 50 lakh, NEGC 2026 stood out as one of the most rewarding youth festivals in the region. In the Moot Court competition, National Law University & Judicial Academy, Assam secured top honours, while J.B. Law College excelled with awards including Best Memorial and Best Speaker. The Debate event also showcased exceptional oratory and analytical skills.
Adding grandeur to the celebrations, the three-day Bollywood Night and One North East Music Festival turned the USTM campus into a lively cultural arena, featuring performances by artists such as Aditya Narayan, Madhubanti Bagchi, Lou Majaw, Dharmesh Yelande, and popular regional bands including Hillphonic.
