USTM Hosts Landmark Orientation Programme on Indo-South African Academic Collaboration in Alignment with G20 Vision
Ri-Bhoi, Khanapara, 9th Mile – Tuesday 25 November 2025: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) successfully hosted an inspiring Orientation Programme titled “Collaboration of USTM and the Universities of South Africa to Enhance Quality Education in Line with the G20 Summit” at the Ibrahim Ali Ayurvedic Medical College (IAMC) on its campus on Monday, November 24, 2025.
The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Prof. Anil Sooklal, Ambassador-at-Large for Asia and BRICS; Mr Cedrick C. Crowley, Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa to India; and Dr Nelistra Sooklal from the South African High Commission in New Delhi. Also present were Prof. G. D. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of USTM; Dr R. K. Sharma, Advisor, USTM and Dr Abhinandan Das, Principal of PIMC; and Dr Kalpana Hazarika, Founder and Principal of the Regional Institute of Nursing Education (RINE).
In his keynote address, Prof. Anil Sooklal highlighted the centuries-old historical bond between India and Africa, stating, “Mahatma Gandhi was transformed by his experience in South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, and in turn, Gandhi transformed South Africa—it was a profound two-way process.”
Mr Cedrick C. Crowley underscored the G20’s commitment to fostering an equitable multipolar world, emphasising that such global cooperation would yield lasting benefits for all participating nations, particularly in education and sustainable development.
Dr. Nelistra Sooklal paid rich tribute to the ancient wisdom of Indian Ayurveda, observing that India and other ancient civilisations have long recognised illness as arising not merely from physical malfunction but from the mind, Quoting an Indian proverb—“Education is the third eye of the child”—she beautifully linked the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) with the African ethos of Ubuntu, affirming the shared human values that bind the two regions.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R. K. Sharma, followed by in-depth deliberations among delegates on strengthening academic partnerships, faculty and student exchange collaboration between USTM and leading South African universities, fully aligned with the inclusive and forward-looking vision articulated at the G20 Summit.
About USTM
The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, among the top 200 universities in India, as per NIRF 2024 and the only private University from Northeast India to be accredited with an ‘A’ Grade by NAAC at its first inspection, grew from six to over six thousand students within a short span of fourteen plus years.