GUWAHATI, Aug 9 - As part of its outreach initiative, ERD Foundation, Guwahati � promoter of the University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) � today organised the �University Public Relation Day� here.
On the occasion the awards of the first North East College Magazine Competition organised by the university were distributed.
The publication cell of the university organised the competition in order to encourage young upcoming writers, editors and layout designers of different college magazines from across the north-eastern region.
More than 70 entries from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura were received.
The three best magazines - Vetkol by College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Cottonian by Cotton College and Aaikyadeep by Doom Dooma College were awarded computers, mementos and certificates.
College magazines of Rangia College, Devraj Roy College and Nagaon College bagged consolation prizes with cash awards.
Awards under different categories like Best Cover Page, Best Article, Best Woman Editor and Best Woman Writer were also distributed.
PJ Baruah, Executive Editor of The Assam Tribune, who was one of the members of the jury, highlighted the different aspects of the competition. He said although it was the first of its kind in the region, the response was very encouraging.
Vice Chancellor of USTM Dr PG Rao spoke about the achievements and activities of the university during the last academic year.
On the occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed with NR University, Denpasar, Indonesia. Dr Ni Putu Tirka Widanti from Indonesia and Dr Rao from USTM signed the MoU.
The MoU is aimed at giving a new dimension to USTM in respect of joint research activities, exchange of faculty, scholars and students, organisation of collaborative conferences and seminars on topics of current significance, among other things.
ERD Foundation chairman M Hoque announced some educational schemes for mediapersons and free admission for underprivileged meritorious students. He said that mass media was the mirror of society.
Among the schemes announced is concession in course fee for mediapersons as well as for their relatives.
The event was also attended by RS Mooshahary, former Governor of Meghalaya, Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury, Pro Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, Dr NK Chaudhury, former Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, Dr AC Bhagabati, former Vice Chancellor of Rajib Gandhi University, HN Das, former Chief Secretary of Government of Assam, eminent litterateur Dr Lakshmi Nandan Bora and others.
