USTM honoured NBSE HSSLC 2026 toppers in Dimapur and announced scholarships for meritorious Nagaland students.
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DIMAPUR — Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, on Saturday said education must be transformative rather than merely reformative, stressing that it should equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
Addressing the Institutional Excellence Award–2026, a lecture on "NEP 2020 & Career Opportunities," and the felicitation of NBSE HSSLC 2026 top achievers organised by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) at Town Hall, Dimapur, the minister urged educational institutions and students to embrace innovation, skill development and practical learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Expressing concern over Nagaland's work culture, Along observed that despite being one of the country's most literate states, Nagaland could not rely solely on academic certificates. He said education must translate into productivity, innovation and community development.
The minister also highlighted the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, robotics, drone technology and other emerging fields, warning that many existing jobs could disappear in the coming decades if people failed to upgrade their skills.
He urged teachers and students to adapt to technological changes to remain relevant in the evolving job market.
Calling on educators to extend their role beyond classrooms, the minister encouraged colleges and universities to adopt nearby villages and communities, offering research-based solutions and practical guidance to farmers and local residents.
Along also lauded USTM for its commitment to promoting quality education in the Northeast.
Speaking at the programme, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque announced a fellowship and scholarship programme for meritorious students from Nagaland.
Under the initiative, 50 students will be selected for financial assistance based on academic merit.
Ten outstanding students, including state toppers and high achievers, will receive full scholarships covering their academic fees, while 15 students will be awarded a 50 per cent tuition fee waiver.
Another 25 students will receive a monthly scholarship of INR 2,000 to support their educational expenses.
A special lecture on the transformative role of NEP 2020 in reshaping India's education ecosystem was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Darlando T Khathing, Vice-Chancellor of North East Christian University.
Short addresses were also delivered by Prof. A Elayaperunal, Director of NIT Nagaland; Ani Yepthomi, Director of Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur; and All Nagaland College Students' Union president Kivika Yeptho.
During the event, Institutional Excellence Awards in the college category were conferred to St. John College, Dimapur; Unity College, Dimapur; and Modern College, Piphema.
In the school category, the awards were presented to Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, and St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur.
The top three rank holders of the NBSE’s HSSLC Examination 2026 in the Arts, Science, and Commerce streams were felicitated with mementos, certificates, and cash awards.
The first, second, and third rank holders received cash prizes of INR 25,000, INR 15,000, and INR 10,000, respectively.