Shillong, December 03 : North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) celebrates a momentous day marked by academic excellence and international collaboration. Ferdinand Lyngdoh Marshillong, a person with hearing impairment and a PhD scholar in the Department of Linguistics, NEHU, has been conferred the prestigious National Award for “Shresth Divyangjan” by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India. The award was presented by the President of India at the ceremony held today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Marshillong, who is pursuing his doctoral research on “Khasi Sign Language: Acquisition, Structure and Social Implications of Indigenous Signs” under the supervision of Dr. Saralin A. Lyngdoh, has received national recognition for his remarkable contributions toward the empowerment, visibility, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. His research, which explores the linguistic and socio-cultural dimensions of Khasi Sign Language, represents an important step toward documenting indigenous signs and advocating for inclusive communication practices in Meghalaya and beyond.
NEHU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Marshillong for bringing pride to the University and the region, and for inspiring a more inclusive academic and social environment.
In another significant development, NEHU had the privilege of hosting Julia, Attachée for French Language Cooperation from the French Institute in India, on 3rd December 2025. Her visit marks a major step forward in strengthening academic cooperation between NEHU and various French institutions.
During her visit, Julia, accompanied by her team, held productive meeting with the Deans of various Schools of NEHU to explore potential collaborations for faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and capacity-building programmes. The discussions focused on creating pathways for NEHU students and scholars aspiring to pursue advanced studies, research, short-term mobility programmes, and fellowship opportunities in France.
Julia also elaborated on the role of Campus France India, the official agency responsible for facilitating higher education opportunities in France. She highlighted how Campus France assists prospective students with providing detailed and updated information on academic programmes across French universities and institutes, guiding applicants through admission procedures, scholarship options, and fellowship schemes, offering support for preparing academic documents and language requirements, coordinating with French consulates to streamline visa processes for study and research purposes.
Her visit has opened new avenues for NEHU students and faculty to engage with French higher-education institutions, enhancing global exposure, interdisciplinary learning, and research collaborations.
NEHU expresses its gratitude for the visit and looks forward to building a long-term partnership with the French Institute in India to expand opportunities for international academic mobility.
