USTM Hosts Inspiring Orientation Programme for Incoming Ph.D. Scholars of the 2025 (B) Batch
9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, Saturday, August 30, 2025: The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) welcomed its newly admitted Ph.D. scholars of the 2025 (B) batch with an energising and insightful Orientation Programme today. Held at the Conference Hall, Block-A, on the university’s scenic Techno City campus in 9th Mile, Baridua, the event aimed to familiarise students with USTM’s academic culture, research expectations, and available resources.
The programme began with a warm welcome address from Prof. G.D. Sharma, USTM’s Hon’ble Vice Chancellor. A seasoned scientist, renowned for his contributions to education and life sciences, Prof. Sharma encouraged the scholars to pursue their research with integrity and creativity. He honed in on the difference between the past and present: Previously, education was knowledge-intensive, but now, the focus has broadened to the application of knowledge, and he said enthusiastically, “Once you come up with modern ideas, the university will supply you with support. Modern technology applications are thankfully available in all branches.”
He elucidated on the 170 patents published over the last two years, bringing USTM to a new plateau, invited to more than twelve fresh startups with ingenious inventories, specifying that generalised information does not work as well as in-depth data.
The first session featured keynote addresses by young, dynamic, insightful, brilliant research scholar, Dr. Suktilang Majaw, Associate Professor from the Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong.
She delivered a keynote address on research ethics. She stressed the importance of originality, integrity, and quality in research, especially in the age of AI. “When you’re in the lab, kindness and collaboration matter just as much as the science,” Dr. Majaw remarked, underscoring the value of interdisciplinary research and mutual respect among peers. Further emphasising values, she said, “Autonomy is not about using authority, but it is about having the capacity to choose to use morality.” Her final words were inspiring: “A Ph.D. is not just about the degree; it can propel you to be the CEO of your own company.”
Next, Dr. Sambit Mallick, Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Guwahati, spoke about the democratisation of research and the critical role of questioning and ethical reasoning. He noted that “democracy loses its meaning without the ability to question,” and emphasised that true progress requires critical thinking. He posed an intriguing question to scholars: “Why is India’s purchasing power lower compared to Western countries?”
Dr. Azmol Hussain Barbhuiya, USTM’s Academic Registrar, provided further insights into the university’s commitment to research excellence.
Following the formal sessions, a photo session and lunch break allowed for informal interaction among scholars and faculty. The day concluded with departmental visits, where scholars had the chance to connect with their academic mentors and familiarise themselves with their respective research environments.
The Orientation Programme set a positive and inspiring tone for the new Ph.D. scholars, offering them valuable guidance for their upcoming academic journey at USTM.