Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, on Saturday underscored the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, stating that education must move beyond reform to become transformative, enabling individuals to create meaningful impact in society.
He was speaking at the Institutional Excellence Award 2026, lecture on “NEP 2020 and Career Opportunities”, and felicitation of NBSE HSSLC Top Achievers 2026 organised by University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) at Town Hall, Dimapur.
Highlighting future challenges, the minister cautioned that rapid advancements in science and technology, including artificial intelligence and robotics, would redefine the job market, with many existing jobs likely to disappear in the coming decades. He urged students and educators to continuously upgrade skills and adapt to technological changes.
Calling for collective responsibility in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047, Temjen Imna stressed that educators must extend knowledge beyond classrooms and contribute actively to community development. He congratulated the toppers and lauded USTM for its growing presence in the Northeast, appreciating its leadership for advancing education and recognising achievers.
USTM Chancellor and ERDF chairman, Mahbubul Hoque, in his welcome address, said their primary aim was to strengthen engagement with Nagaland and promote diversity in higher education.
Hoque highlighted diversity as a key strength of the country and stressed the importance of bringing students from different regions together. He noted that many alumni from Nagaland were already excelling in various fields, including government services, and emphasised the need to provide guidance and support to talented students lacking access to resources, particularly in higher education and competitive examinations.
Announcing fellowships and scholarship schemes specially designed for meritorious students from Nagaland, Hoque invited institutions in the state to collaborate with USTM through academic visits and knowledge exchanges, enabling students to gain exposure to advanced learning environments.
He further shared that their visit was focused on reaching out to students, interacting with alumni, and creating greater academic opportunities for youth in Nagaland.
The felicitation honoured rank holders from Science, Arts and Commerce streams, with awardees receiving mementos, certificates and cash prizes. In the Science stream, first rank was secured by Menguhaankum Chang of St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur, followed by Akivi Benison Aye of the same institution in second place, and Tirmen Jamir of Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur in third.
In the Arts stream, Keleno Thorie of Northfield, Kohima bagged the first position, while Kumloi K. Honghahu of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur and Nitsino Punyü of Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima secured second and third ranks respectively.
In the Commerce stream, Shreya Debnath of Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur topped, while Vicky Kumar and Urbi Chakraborty of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur jointly held second rank. Witamsinbo Kaurinta of Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur stood third.
All awardees received mementos, certificates and cash prizes. Institutional Excellence Awards 2026 were also conferred on schools and colleges demonstrating sustained academic performance. At the college level, St. John College, Dimapur was recognised in Science, Unity College, Dimapur in Commerce, and Modern College, Piphema in Arts. At the school level, Holy Cross Higher Secondary School and St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur were honoured for consistent achievements.
The programme featured a lecture on “NEP 2020 & Career Opportunities” by North East Christian University vice chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Darlando T. Khathing, along with short addresses by NIT Nagaland director Prof. A. Elayaperumal, Livingstone Foundation International director Ani Yepthomi, and ANCSU president Kivika Yeptho.
Moderated by USTM principal secretary Dr. Mehjabeen Rahman and USTM HoD (Sociology) Dr. Kughatoli Aye, the event concluded with a vote of thanks by USTM vice chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma and the national anthem.
The programme featured a lecture by North East Christian University vice chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Darlando T. Khathing, short addresses by heads of institutions, and concluded with a vote of thanks by USTM vice chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma, followed by the national anthem.