Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, March 17, 2026 — The Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences & Humanities at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) marked World Social Work Day 2026 by presenting the Social Work Excellence Award to two distinguished practitioners for their service to communities across the region. The awards were presented by USTM Chancellor Shri Mahbubul Hoque, with Prof. Garima Kalita, Dean of the School of Social Sciences & Humanities, in attendance.
One of the recipients, Hally War, a Khasi farmer and environmentalist, was honoured for his decades-long commitment to community service and grassroots development. According to a USTM press release, War-known for his work in growing and preserving living root bridges-was conferred the Padma Shri in 2026 in recognition of his lifelong environmental and humanitarian efforts.
The second award went to Prasad Agnihotri, chairperson of Sanvedena Rugnseva Samiti, in recognition of his sustained work in healthcare support and social service. Agnihotri was lauded for assisting underprivileged patients and for promoting community-driven welfare initiatives rooted in compassion and practical support.
The ceremony, held under the global theme “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society,” opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a welcome address. Keynote speaker Pradeep Ramavath highlighted the vital role of professional social work in creating inclusive and harmonious societies.
Both awardees shared personal experiences at the event and urged new social work students to practise empathy, persistence, and collective action. They encouraged students to engage directly with communities and to uphold values of humanity, service, and social justice.
Established in 2011, USTM is the first state private university in North East India focused on science and technology. The university received an ‘A’ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its first assessment cycle in 2021 and said it remains committed to teaching excellence, research, innovation, community engagement, inclusivity, sustainability, and regional development.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/03/17/padma-shri-hally-war-social-activist-prasad-agnihotri-conferred-social-work-excellence-award-at-ustm/
Category: MEGHALAYA,News Alert,REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2026-03-17 15:41:00
