SILCHAR April 4 - In recognition of his phenomenal contribution in the domain of education, science and technology in particular, Mahabubul Haque, chairman of the Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF) and Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) was recently conferred the Maulana Azad Memorial Award by Barak Education Society.
At a function organised at the Gandhi Bhawan here, Prof Rajat Gupta, Director in-charge of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar gave away the award to Mahabubul Haque. The Vice Chancellor of Assam University at Silchar, Prof Dilip Chandra Nath, who is the chief patron of the society, presented a citation to the USTM Chancellor.
On the other hand, noted academician from Karimganj, Prof Kamaluddin Ahmed, who passed away recently, was honoured posthumously with the Syed Mujhtaba Ali Memorial Award. Shabnam Tabassum, granddaughter of Prof Ahmed received the award. Some other noted educationists and five research scholars were also felicitated on the occasion.
Later, speaking on the occasion, Mahabubul Haque said, �The NorthEast is a powerhouse of talent. We are therefore making a humble effort to create potent human resource. Students from all communities are a part of our institution and we accord special focus on nurturing poor but meritorious students who need attention.
The ERDF Chairman, however, brushed aside questions on being funded by associations based in Saudia Arabia or even his links with AIUDF supremo Badruddin Ajmal, saying that the institutions are making impressive progress mainly because of the love and trust of the people and are driven by quality academicians who help the students to come out with flying colours.
While Prof Gupta spoke on the need for frequent meeting with the academicians and members of the civil society, the Vice Chancellor of Assam University laid stress on development of science and technology for the country to embark on the path of progress.
Citing statistical figures, Prof Nath said in the USA, out of every 10,000 people, as many as 80 persons are well-equipped with scientific knowhow. But the ratio is dismal in India, which has only four persons involved in scientific research and development.
The temperament and attitude has to be built from the school level, he maintained. Two senior academicians of the city and former teachers, namely Dr Amalendu Bhattacharjee and Makabbir Ali Barbhuiya delivered the Syed Mujhtaba Ali and Maulana Azad memorial lectures respectively.
Journalist Taimur Raja Choudhury presided over the function.
