Founder’s Day 2024

ERDF Barak Talent Fest 2024 Commences to Foster Science & Tech Among Rural Students

The ERD Foundation Guwahati launched the Barak Talent Fest 2024 as part of its Founder’s Day celebrations, aiming to ignite interest in science and technology among rural students. This three-day festival, hosted by ERDF institutions across the Barak Valley from 27^th to 29^th November, featured a unique Space and Drone Technology Exhibition—a first for the region—alongside a host of talent competitions and the Fit India Marathon 2024, engaging students, parents, and educators.

The event at Central Public School Patharkandi (CPSP) on 28^th November was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Prof. Satyadeo Poddar, Vice Chancellor of Maharaja Bir Bikram University, Tripura; Prof. Manabendra Dutta Choudhury, Vice Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University; along with Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Founder Chancellor of USTM and Chairman of ERDF; Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM and Dr RK Sharma, Advisor USTM.

On 29^th November, the event witnessed inspiring addresses by Prof. GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, Dr. Bibhas Deb, Principal of Guru Charan College, Silchar, and Mr. Hilal Uddin Laskar, Principal of SS College, Hailakandi. The highlight of the event was the dynamic and motivational speech delivered by Shri Mahbubul Hoque.

The Foundation has outlined ambitious plans for its jubilee year, including mass marriage programs, widow rehabilitation, establishment of shelter homes for children and the elderly, and large-scale tree plantations. Additionally, there are plans for science awareness camps, rural libraries, skill training, and scholarships, all aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.

During the Founder’s Day celebration, the ERDF institutions in Barak Valley including CPSP, CPSB, KNB Women’s College Badarpur, and Allama TR College of Pharmacy Badarpur organized the Barak Talent Fest 2024. Activities in the two schools included inter-school debates, science model competitions, Quiz competitions, arts and crafts exhibitions, essay writing, poem and song composition and presentation, cultural performances, among others. Winners were felicitated with attractive cash prizes and trophies by the esteemed delegates. The event also featured the presentation of the Founder’s Excellence Award 2024, honoring outstanding teachers from both schools.

Another key feature of the celebration in the two schools is the Fit India Marathon, organized as part of the 6^th edition of Fit India Week under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. This initiative highlighted the importance of physical fitness alongside intellectual and cultural pursuits.

Barak Talent Fest 2024 sets the tone for what promises to be a remarkable journey into ERDF’s silver jubilee year and beyond, reinforcing its legacy of building a brighter future for rural students and communities.

8 Bands from 8 NE States celebrates OneNorthEast Music Festival on USTM Founder’s Day

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya hosted a spectacular celebration of music, unity, and cultural harmony with OneNorthEast-1.0, a grand musical festival held on 30^th November to mark the university’s Founder’s Day. The event brought together eight exceptional bands from the eight northeastern states of India, creating a mesmerizing symphony of cultural integration. Organized by Mawjam Event Network, Shillong, under the visionary leadership of legendary pop-rock icon Dr. Lou Majaw, the festival celebrated the themes of love, peace, and togetherness, delivering a powerful message of unity across the region.

The participating music bands were The Eternal Triangle (Assam), Techi (Arunachal Pradesh), Even Flow (Mizoram), Roll Heads (Sikkim), Rewben Mashangva (Manipur), Aseno Metha (Nagaland), Pillow Records (Tripura) and Lou Majaw & The Electric Garden (Meghalaya).

The importance of cultural events lies in fostering unity. Culture has an extraordinary ability to bridge divides and connect people. At a time when harmonious integration is vital for the northeastern states, USTM is honored to host this landmark event. Dr. Lou Majaw has selected USTM as the venue for such an inspiring initiative.

Dr. Lou Majaw echoed this sentiment, highlighting the festival’s significance, “The concept of ‘One North East’ is crucial. Despite our differences, we must remain united. Events like this demonstrate the strength of coming together to inspire peace, harmony, and progress in society.” The OneNorthEast Music Festival is poised to become a defining cultural event, showcasing the northeastern region’s vibrant musical heritage and shared aspirations for a united future.

Celebration at USTM

Celebration at CPSP

Celebration at CPSB