Shillong July 22: Altogether 90 graduates were conferred Bachelor and Master degrees in four different programmes of study at the 1st Annual Convocation of the University of Technology and Management (UTM) held at U Soso Tham Auditorium in the city today.
The Convocation Ceremony was attended by Meghalaya Governor, V.Shamuganathan who is also the Visitor of the University as Chief Guest, and Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister in-charge Urban Affairs etc as Guest of Honour.
Delivering his Convocation address, the Governor stated that convocation day is a momentous occasion where the mind and heart of a graduate is filled with thrill and joy.” On this emotionally charged occasion, I urge you to remember with respect the sacrifices of your teachers, parents and loved ones” he said.
Advocating the fact how physical well being and intellectual soundness is pivotal to successful living, the Governor advised the graduating students to keep themselves physically fit and mentally sound. “Do not be vague or cynical. Blast all impossibility. Create a positive mind in yourselves “ he further said.
Stating that employment does not necessarily mark a person’s true success, the Governor urged upon the graduates to live for a purpose.” Master yourself. Do not waste the knowledge that you have acquired. Focus, concentrate, persevere, be truthful and be honest. Do not go astray and get distracted by unworthy things because the mind is like a monkey that wanders and jumps from one place to another” he said, while also calling upon the graduates to give themselves into serving the country which is currently facing a multitude of problems like corruption, dowry related issues, rising maternal and infant mortality rates, unemployment from among a myriad of other problems plaguing the country.
Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh meanwhile expressed her appreciation to the University for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the recent past and took the occasion to appeal to the UTM fraternity to partake in the efforts of the government at tackling two of the main issues afflicting Shillong city in particular and the state of Meghalaya as a whole, namely urban waste management and provision of safe potable drinking water. She also stated that the government is looking forward for an opportunity to interface with the university on these two important issues.
Others who spoke at the programme include UTM Chancellor Professor Utpal Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor Dr.S.J Chopra and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Mukesh Saxena.
It may be reminded that the University of Technology and Management was established under the “University of Technology and Management Act 2010” of the government of Meghalaya and offers professional and technical programmes in areas like journalism and mass communication, hospitality, digital marketing, technology , travel and tourism and others.
