Shillong, Sep 12: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) hosted its 19th Convocation today at Lariti Performing Centre, New Shillong, marking another milestone in its academic journey.
The university also honoured SAN-KER founder-director Dr Sandi Syiem with Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred Honorary Doctorate on SK Bose, and Honorary Post-Doctoral Fellowship on Dr Abdullah Saif Ahmed Al-Sabahi.
Additional Chief Secretary Sampath Kumar attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He urged graduates to continuously learn, equip themselves with AI and remain responsive to changing world and climate, and stressed early childhood development. He commended MLCU for giving education an indigenous character.
Convocation Speaker, journalist and author P Sainath, spoke on rising inequalities, contribution of Gen Z, and cautioned against surrendering writing and thinking to AI, saying AI has no moral compass and could homogenise language and threaten linguistic diversity of Northeast. He urged graduates to question ownership and accountability of AI and confront social injustices, citing Preamble and Directive Principles.
Degrees and diplomas were awarded to graduating students. Graduate representatives Baiahun Pahsyntiew, MSc Environmental Science, and Bivek Kumar Singh, Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management, shared their responses, followed by Graduates Pledge.
A new emblem and motto – “We Dare. We Rise.” – was also unveiled.
The programme included musical performances by Department of Music, release of Special MLCU Cover by India Post handed over by KVLN Murty, Director of Postal Service HQ Shillong to Vice Chancellor Ashiho A Mao, and Distinguished Alumni Awards.
The convocation concluded with Aurora Borealis featuring Risaka and band, Novelty, Influencer Awards, Alive and DJ Cherixx.
