In a moment of immense pride for Meghalaya and the academic community, a hearing-impaired doctoral researcher from North-Eastern Hill University (Nehu) has been honoured with a prestigious national award. Ferdinand Lyngdoh Marshillong, a PhD scholar in the Department of Linguistics, received the national award for 'Shresth Divyangjan', instituted by the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
National Recognition for Groundbreaking Research
The award was presented to Marshillong by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The event coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. Marshillong is pursuing his doctoral research on 'Khasi Sign Language: Acquisition, Structure and Social Implications of Indigenous Signs'.
He received national recognition for his significant contributions towards the empowerment, visibility, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. A statement from Nehu highlighted that his work explores the linguistic and socio-cultural dimensions of Khasi sign language. The university stated that this research represents a crucial step towards documenting indigenous signs and advocating for inclusive communication practices in Meghalaya and beyond.
Inspiring an Inclusive Academic Environment
Nehu lauded Marshillong for bringing honour to the university and the entire region. The institution praised him for inspiring a more inclusive academic and social environment. His achievement underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse talents within the higher education ecosystem, setting a powerful example for students and researchers with disabilities.
Nehu Strengthens Ties with French Institutions
In another significant development for the university, Nehu hosted Julia, the attachée for French Language Cooperation from the French Institute in India, on a recent Wednesday. According to the university, her visit marks a major step forward in strengthening academic cooperation between Nehu and various French institutions.
During the visit, Julia and her team held productive meetings with the deans of various schools at Nehu. The discussions aimed to explore potential collaborations in several key areas:
- Faculty and student exchange programmes
- Joint research initiatives
- Capacity-building programmes
The talks specifically focused on creating pathways for Nehu students and scholars who aspire to pursue advanced studies, research, short-term mobility programmes, and fellowship opportunities in France. This initiative is expected to open new international avenues for academic growth and cross-cultural learning for the Nehu community.
Together, these developments highlight Nehu's dual focus on fostering inclusive excellence at home and building robust international partnerships, positioning it as a key educational hub in India's Northeast.
