The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India on 15th August 2025 with patriotic fervour and active participation from students, faculty, and staff.
The celebrations commenced with the Har Ghar Tiranga march, where students from all hostels and halls of residence, dressed in the vibrant traditional attire of Northeast India, marched towards the flag-hoisting area in front of the Administration Building. Led by Prof. S. Umdor, Hon’ble Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) of NEHU, the marchers were joined by teachers and staff members. Throughout the procession, students chanted patriotic slogans such as “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, proudly waving the national flag.
Upon reaching the Vice-Chancellor’s Office compound, the celebrations continued with a parade by NEHU’s security personnel and NCC cadets. The PVC inspected the parade before proceeding to the flagstaff, where he hoisted the tricolour, accompanied by the enthusiastic rendition of the National Anthem by all present.
In his address, Prof. Umdor reflected on the significance of Independence Day as a time to honour the supreme sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters, from the First War of Independence in 1857 to the contributions of national icons such as Bhagat Singh, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Mahatma Gandhi. He paid special tribute to heroes from the Northeast, including Meghalaya’s U Tirot Sing, for their valour and unwavering commitment to the nation’s freedom.
The PVC highlighted the post-independence challenges faced by the nation, the vision of leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in uniting India, and the need for continued vigilance against threats to national security. He underscored India’s achievements in becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy and a leader in various fields, attributing much of this progress to the growth of higher education.
Commending NEHU’s contributions to the Northeast since its establishment in 1973, he outlined recent reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), including skill-based courses, experiential learning, and digital integration. At the same time, he acknowledged challenges such as declining rankings, financial constraints, and infrastructure gaps, calling for collective effort from all stakeholders to restore NEHU’s past glory.
The speech concluded with a heartfelt appeal for unity, selflessness, and dedication to the future of the university and the nation, resonating with NEHU’s motto: “Rise up and build.”
The celebrations concluded with light refreshments, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and patriotism among all attendees.
2026, North-Eastern Hill University
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