USTM convocation: Justice Bhuyan links scientific temper to rule of law

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) awarded degrees and diplomas to 1,469 students at its 12th convocation on Saturday, October 31, where Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan told the graduating batch that a scientific outlook is the foundation on which the rule of law rests.

The ceremony was held in the central auditorium of the private university's campus in Ri-Bhoi district, according to reports in Northeast News, The New Indian Express and Hub News.

'Arbitrary power flourishes where people don't question'

Justice Bhuyan, who was the chief guest, tied scientific thinking to democratic values. Unchecked and arbitrary power, he said, thrives on ignorance, fear and beliefs that are never examined, and does best in places where people do not ask questions about what they are told.

He also praised USTM for growing into one of the leading centres of learning in the North East.

The convocation address was given by Pankaj Mittal, secretary general of the Association of Indian Universities.

The graduating batch

Of the 1,469 students who received their degrees:

• 42 were PhD scholars;
• 584 were postgraduate students;
• 798 were undergraduates; and
• 45 received diplomas.

Vice-Chancellor Professor G D Sharma presented the university's annual report before the medals were handed out. In all, 29 medals went to the best postgraduate students and 34 to the best undergraduates, Northeast News reported.

Among the named awards, Zakiyyah Nurul Barbhuyan (BSc Zoology) received the P A Sangma Gold Medal, Florence Daimari (MA Rural Development) the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Gold Medal, Ayushi Borkakoty (BSc Microbiology) the Chancellor's Gold Medal, Porismita Bhuyan (MCom) the Visitor's Gold Medal and Abhirupa Kashyap (BA Psychology) the Zubeen Garg Memorial Gold Medal.

Judges and VCs in attendance

Gauhati High Court judges Justice Kalyan Rai Surana, Justice Soumitra Saikia, Justice Robin Phukan, Justice Kardak Ete and Justice Unni Krishnan Nair attended, along with former High Court judge Justice P K Deka.

Heads or representatives of several central universities were also present, including Rajiv Gandhi University, Mizoram University, the English and Foreign Languages University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, the Central University of Odisha, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University and the Central University of Rajasthan.

USTM is located at Techno City in Ri-Bhoi district, off the Guwahati-Shillong road.