Shillong, May 12: National Technology Day 2026 was celebrated by different institutions in Meghalaya yesterday.
At the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), the Department of Physics and the Department of Computer Science jointly organised the ‘Robotics Skill Workshop’ in collaboration with the Robotics Club of USTM.
The workshop was designed to provide students with practical exposure and hands-on training in emerging technologies, including ‘Basics of CAD, Small CAD Design Training, 3D Design Printing, Introduction to Explorer Kits, Hands-on Robot Building’ and a special session on ‘Lab to Market: Bridging Innovation and Entrepreneurship.’ Students from several institutions in Assam and the wider North East participated in the workshop.
Present at the event was Prof GD Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM, who addressed the gathering and motivated students to explore emerging technologies and cultivate innovative thinking for societal and national development. Prof Amit Choudhury, Dean of the School of Technology and Management and Director, Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship, also addressed the participants.
The technical sessions were conducted by the trainers of the Robotics Club.
Meanwhile, the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous body set up under the central government’s Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Smart Village Movement and the state Education Department, brought together students and teachers from across the state for a hands-on exploration of science and technology.
The programme was held at NECTAR STEM Lab here under this year’s national theme, ‘Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth’. A total of 35 students and 35 teachers from across the state participated in the observance.
Participants engaged with a wide range of activities covering robotics, including interactive robots and servo-ultrasonic systems, electronics through a working house model, DIY STEM projects such as an e-bike and an electric buzzer game, and an introduction to basic drone technology. The activities sparked curiosity in students and teachers, who participated in demonstrations to learn and explore the importance of science and technology.
Speaking at the programme, Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General of NECTAR, said, “There are a lot of opportunities in front of us. Drone is just one of the tools that can make a huge impact on the activities we carry out on a regular basis. And when I say tools, I mean technology. Understanding how these technologies can be put to work is what will help make our country the nation we all dream it can be.”
