North-Eastern Hill University Celebrates Independence Day with Vibrant Swatantrata March

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Date: Aug 15, 2024

Shillong, August 15, 2024 – North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) marked the 78th Independence Day of India with a series of vibrant and heartfelt celebrations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and the indomitable spirit of the North-Eastern region. The event, which took place on the university campus, commenced with the Swatantrata March, a symbolic parade that brought together students from all halls of residence. Dressed in the traditional attires of the North-Eastern states, the students marched with pride towards the Administrative Building, paying homage to the diverse cultural legacy of the region.

In a show of solidarity with the students, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, the Vice-Chancellor of NEHU, joined the march, emphasizing the university's commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural diversity that defines the North-East. The march culminated in the ceremonial unfurling of the national flag by Prof. Shukla, followed by the stirring rendition of the National Anthem, resonating with the spirit of patriotism and unity.

In his address to the university community, Prof. Shukla reflected on the significance of Independence Day, stating, "Today, as we gather to celebrate the Independence Day of India, we stand on the shoulders of countless heroes and heroines who fought valiantly for the freedom of our nation. Our journey towards independence was not an easy one. It was marked by struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering determination. As we reflect upon this historic day, let us remember the indomitable spirit of our people and pay tribute to their remarkable contributions."

He further highlighted the crucial role played by the people of the North-East in India's freedom struggle, noting that the region's leaders and communities were not mere spectators but active participants in the fight against British colonialism. Prof. Shukla paid special tribute to figures like Rani Gaidinliu and U Tirot Sing, whose contributions to the cause of independence continue to inspire generations. Prof. Shukla also took the opportunity to share the recent achievements of NEHU, stating, "In the past three years, I have tried to take steps to enhance its infrastructure, creating state-of-the-art facilities that facilitate both learning and research for the students of NEHU and the teaching community. This commitment to modernization has been paralleled by an emphasis on preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the North-East."

He elaborated on the university's strides in academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement, positioning NEHU as a hub of interdisciplinary studies and societal betterment. The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to transforming NEHU into one of the leading universities in India, driven by a vision of growth, inclusivity, and excellence.

The celebrations also featured the distribution of prizes for the winners of an Essay Writing Competition organized by NEHU under the initiative "Viksit Bharat @2047." The competition saw enthusiastic participation from students across various categories:

Undergraduate Category:

• 1st Prize: Esababiang P Lyngkhoi, Department of English, St. Anthony's College, Shillong
• 2nd Prize: Mikkimchi D Momin, Don Bosco College, Tura
• 3rd Prize: Natasha B Blah, Kiang Nangbah Government College, Jowai

Postgraduate Category:

• 1st Prize: Saphibadondor Makdoh, Department of Political Science, Synod College
• 2nd Prize: Priya Rani Talukdar, Department of Physics, NEHU
• 3rd Prize: Pdianghun Bethania Wahlang, Department of Political Science, NEHU

Research Scholars Category:

• 1st Prize: Samuel Thangluai, Department of Philosophy, NEHU
• 2nd Prize: Sheetal Joshi, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, NEHU
• 3rd Prize: Tiplut Wann, Department of Library and Information Sciences, NEHU