Guwahati: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) inaugurated a prestigious National Conference on Botany today, graced by eminent dignitaries including Padma Shri Prof. Pramod Tandon, former Vice-Chancellor of NEHU; Dr. Kanad Das, Director of the Botanical Survey of India; Prof. B. S. Kholia, President of the Indian Fern Society; Prof. S. P. Khullar, Secretary of IFS; Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM; and Prof. G. D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM.
In his inaugural address, Prof. G. D. Sharma emphasized USTM’s commitment to research, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Prof. Khullar and Prof. Kholia highlighted the mission of the Indian Fern Society (IFS) and the need for global collaboration in biodiversity conservation.
A key highlight of the event was the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred upon Padma Shri Prof. Pramod Tandon, lauded as the “alchemist of endangered orchids,” for his outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation and bioeconomy in Northeast India. Additionally, Prof. G. D. Sharma received the Birbal Sahni Foundation Award for his distinguished academic leadership and research contributions.
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Dr. Kanad Das, in his keynote address, underlined the ecological importance of seedless plant research. The event also featured the release of the conference Abstract Book and concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Dhritiman Chanda.
USTM reaffirmed its excellence in education and research, recently earning NAAC ‘A’ Grade accreditation and recognition as a “Centre of Excellence” by the UN Resource Centre.
