Along with the entire world, the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya in association with AADYA celebrated International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm and spirit at the university campus here today. The catch epithet of the celebration was “choose to challenge.” Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM, Prof. G.D Sharma, VC, USTM along with the officials, faculties and students of the university were present at the event. Smt. Sunita Rai, Assistant General Manager (Regional Incharge), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority was present as the Guest of Honour.
On the occasion, the ‘USTM Woman of Substance Award 2021’ was bestowed upon Smt. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Chairperson and MD, Pride East Entertainment Pvt Ltd for her immense contribution in the field of Entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment and Societal contribution especially giving legitimacy to women’s voice. The award was handed over to her by the USTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma in presence of a host of dignitaries.
The Chancellor Hoque, who joined the session virtually said, “Women empowerment plays a crucial role in the overall development of the society.” “Women should be given equal opportunity in every field, irrespective of any discrimination”, he added. It is worth mentioning here that about 57% students and 75% staff of USTM are female.
As a part of the celebration, 12 sanitary pad vending machines were officially launched in the USTM campus. A free Health and Hygiene camp was also held for the local women of the area. The ‘Organic Hut’ was another highlight of the event. It is an initiative of the Department of Rural Development of USTM where opportunity is provided to the local women of the surrounding villages to sell their home grown products in the university campus twice in a week. On the occasion, a debate competition on the topic “Menstrual Taboos and Myths Prevent Women’s Liberty” was also held where the university students actively took part.