Tears, cheers & 25 years: USTM’s grand alumni bash ignites silver jubilee celebrations of ERDF legacy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 10, 2025

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) turned up the emotion and energy on Saturday with a grand, nostalgia-packed Alumni Meet, kicking off the silver jubilee celebration of the ERDF’s transformative 25-year journey—from CITC to USTM. The event saw alumni flying in from across India and abroad to reconnect, reminisce, and reignite their bond with the institution that shaped their lives.

More than 40,000 students have graduated from ERDF-run institutions over the years, and this milestone celebration was as much about the future as it was about honouring the past.

The event was graced by USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, Vice Chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma, and senior officials from USTM and other ERDF institutions. The festivities began with a warm welcome and a walk down memory lane by USTM Registrar Anju Hazarika, who spotlighted the legacy built over decades.

A major highlight was the panel discussion titled “Humble Beginning and Milestone 2030: Role of Alumni.” Moderated by Dr. Amit Choudhury, Dean of the School of Engineering & Technology, and PR expert N.I. Laskar, the session delivered bold ideas, emotional stories, and solid strategies for how alumni can shape USTM’s global ambitions. Alumni from all walks of life actively participated, making it a vibrant, forward-thinking exchange.

In a moving address, Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque said, “This celebration is not just about 25 glorious years—it’s about the heartbeat of our institutions: our alumni. You are our voice, our ambassadors, and our pride.” The Vice-Chancellor emphasized how alumni networks are critical to institutional growth and global reach.

Adding value to the event, USTM launched the PIMC Alumni Health Card, offering alumni families privileged healthcare access. A Central Alumni Committee was also announced under the leadership of Dr. N. Laskar, along with plans for District Alumni Chapters in Assam and State Chapters across the Northeast to keep connections strong and active.

The day wrapped up with a vote of thanks from Academic Registrar Dr. A.H. Barbhuiya, but not before the air was filled with hugs, laughter, and heartfelt promises to take USTM to new heights by 2030.

The silver jubilee alumni meet wasn’t just a reunion—it was a rallying cry to turn USTM into a world-class institution, driven by a global family of changemakers.