USTM Faculty Dr Nibedita Paul Conferred National-Level NSS Award by Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandavya
1st June, 2026, Ri-Bhoi: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has added another feather to its cap as Dr Nibedita Paul, NSS Programme Coordinator, USTM, was conferred a prestigious National-Level Award under the National Service Scheme (NSS) during the Chintan Shivir organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong.
The honour was bestowed by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, in the august presence of Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, along with senior officials and distinguished dignitaries from across the country.
Dr Nibedita Paul was recognised for her exemplary leadership, dedicated service, and impactful contributions towards youth development, community engagement, and the promotion of the core values of the National Service Scheme (NSS). Her sustained efforts in mobilising students for social service, nation-building activities, and volunteerism have brought USTM national recognition.
The two-day Chintan Shivir brought together officers and representatives from the Department of Youth Affairs, MY Bharat, and the National Service Scheme (NSS) from across India to deliberate on strengthening youth engagement, enhancing institutional coordination, and accelerating the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The programme featured interactive sessions, workshops, and strategic discussions focused on youth leadership, volunteerism, community participation, and grassroots development. It served as an important platform for sharing best practices and formulating innovative strategies to empower young people and promote nation-building initiatives across the country.
The award was presented by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, in the esteemed presence of Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports. Also present on the occasion were Dr Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs; Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs; Dr Priyanka Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, MY Bharat; senior officials of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports; representatives of MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS); and distinguished delegates from across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports lauded the role of NSS coordinators in shaping socially responsible youth. They acknowledged Dr Paul’s commitment and innovative initiatives at the institutional level. The USTM fraternity has expressed immense pride in this achievement, describing it as a moment of honour not only for the University but also for the state and the entire region.
About the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM): Established in 2011, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is the first state private university in the field of Science and Technology in North East India. The University was accredited with an ‘A Grade’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its first cycle of assessment in 2021. USTM remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, while promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and regional development.