Shillong, Nov 4: Former Vice Chancellor of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Padma Shri Prof Pramod Tandon was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM).
The award was bestowed to Prof Tandon, who is celebrated as the “alchemist of endangered orchids”, for his pioneering work in biodiversity conservation and the promotion of bioeconomy in Northeast.
The USTM also presented the Birbal Sahni Foundation Award to its Vice Chancellor Prof. G. D. Sharma in recognition for his contributions to research and academic institution-building. The award commemorates the legacy of Prof. Birbal Sahni, revered as the “Father of Indian Paleobotany.”
These awards were presented during a national conference on Botany held at the university today.
Dr. Kanad Das, Director of the Botanical Survey of India delivered the keynote address, underlining the importance of seedless plant research in ecological and climate studies.
Prof Sharma in his address highlighted USTM’s commitment to research and innovation in biodiversity and climate resilience.
Secretary of the Indian Fern Society Prof. S. P. Khullar spoke on the history and mission of the IFS—founded in 1983 as an international organization promoting global research on Pteridophytes (seedless vascular plants).
IFS President Prof. B. S. Kholia emphasised the need for collaborative research in biodiversity conservation.
The session also witnessed the release of the Abstract Book, symbolising the academic essence of the event.
