President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said there was a lot to learn from Meghalaya’s traditional wisdom and exhorted the North Eastern Hill University (Nehu) to be instrumental in the state’s social and economic transformation.

The President said this while addressing thousands of degree holders at the 26th convocation of Nehu on its campus at Mawlai Umshing here.

Altogether 14,502 candidates received their degrees, including 136 PhD, 41 MPhil, 1,342 post-graduate and 12,983 bachelor's degree. While 1,989 candidates received their degrees in person, 12,513 of them received it in absentia. Kanubhai Hasmukhbhai Tailor, a physically challenged person, received DLitt for his outstanding contributions in advancing the cause of voluntary humanitarian services.

The President, who is also visitor of Nehu, honoured the awardees in the presence of Meghalaya governor Tathagata Roy, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma, Nehu vice-chancellor S.K. Srivastava, other dignitaries, teachers and relatives of the candidates.

Stating that there was a lot to learn from the traditional wisdom of “tribal brothers and sisters of Meghalaya” and referring to the primacy of women, value of cleanliness and the unique art of building root-bridges that can last upto 500 years, the President termed Meghalaya a “progressive society”.

On the root-bridge, he said the “environment-friendly, inter-generational way of building a natural infrastructure” was full of messages for the entire humanity.

“This reflects not only beauty of nature but also the wisdom of Meghalaya’s people,” he said.

The President specifically mentioned Mawlynnong, known to be the cleanest village in Asia, the local broom grass, which is in great demand across the country, and the pristine waters of the Dawki and Umngot rivers.

Kovind said having students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Thailand, Africa and West Asia in Nehu would further promote cultural cohesion and cross-pollination of learning.

The President mentioned former Lok Sabha Speaker late Purno A. Sangma, former chairman of Union Public Service Commission Prof. David R. Syiemlieh and other luminaries from Meghalaya who have made their mark and contributed to the state and urged students to follow in their footsteps.

He lauded Meghalaya’s passion for sports, especially football, and urged youths to stay away from bad habits and substance abuse.

The President said institutions of higher education like Nehu can play a catalytic role in the state’s social and economic development and help Meghalaya achieve better ranking on human development indices.

Talking about opportunities and challenges, he asked the youth to give back to society and fulfil the university social responsibility (USR) obligations by spending time in villages.

“The youth can help the villagers deal with their problems and make them aware about the importance of sanitation, literacy, vaccination and nutrition for children,” he said.

In keeping with Nehu’s motto, Rise Up and Build, the President urged the students to rise as persons with commitment, compassion, courage and competence, and build their career, character, community and country.

The governor stressed on unity and equal development and urged the youth to keep the banner of Indianness aloft while maintaining their individuality, identity and regional traits.

The chief minister talked about climate change, while citing the current problem in New Delhi, and urged the youth to help make this earth liveable. He also focused on entrepreneurship, inspiring the youths to take risks for doing business, improve its economy and transform humanity.

KSU silent protest

The President’s maiden visit to the hill city was somewhat marred by a silent protest held by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) to oppose the Centre’s move to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

When the President and the entourage of cars following him were moving from Raj Bhavan to Nehu, a group of KSU activists, standing by the roadside in the Golf Links area, tried to raise placards. However, police foiled their attempt.

“We managed to display one placard when the President was passing through,” KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah said.

Commuters experienced a harrowing time as the President’s visit on Monday and the mock drill conducted on Saturday for the visit affected the flow of traffic in the city for hours.