Shillong, Nov 14: Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) Prof. G.D. Sharma has been honoured with the prestigious Birbal Sahni Medal by the Birbal Sahni Foundation in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of plant sciences and higher education.
The award was conferred during the National Conference on Emerging Trends in Seedless Vascular Plants and Multidisciplinary Research, hosted by USTM.
The Birbal Sahni Foundation, named after the eminent Indian paleobotanist Prof. Birbal Sahni (1891–1949)—a pioneer in the study of fossil plants and founder of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, presents this distinguished medal every year to one eminent scientist for exemplary contributions in the field of botany or related life sciences.
The award holds international repute, with last year’s recipient being a distinguished researcher from Japan, reflecting the Foundation’s global outlook in recognising excellence in botanical sciences.
The medal was presented to Prof. Sharma by representatives of the foundation and the Indian Fern Society during the conference, attended by eminent dignitaries including Padma Shri Prof. Pramod Tandon, Former Vice Chancellor, NEHU, and Dr. Kanad Das, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata.
Prof. Sharma said, “This recognition is not just a personal honour but a testament to the growing research culture and scientific pursuit nurtured at USTM. It inspires us to continue promoting biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development through science.”
The event was organised by the Department of Botany, USTM, and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
