The Jaintia Eastern College, Khliehriat successfully organized an Ideathon /Hackathon 2026, Innovating for Sustainable Development in East Jaintia Hills”, bringing together bright and innovative students from various colleges to showcase their ideas and problem-solving skills.
The programme commenced with an inaugural session, which was chaired by Shri Banpynskhembha Papang, SPOC, E-Cell, Jaintia Eastern College, who guided the proceedings with great efficiency.
The event was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Becare Me O Nongtdu, Principal of Dkhiah East Secondary School, whose presence added great value and inspiration to the programme. In his address, he emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among students and encouraged participants to transform their ideas into practical solutions for societal development.
Dr. P. Nongtdu, Principal of Jaintia Eastern College, in his speech highlighted the role of educational institutions in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills among students. He appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and stressed the importance of bridging academic learning with real-world applications.
The programme featured Shri. Damangbhaki Wann, Programme Associate – Academia, PRIME Meghalaya, as the Resource Person. In his address, he highlighted the role and objectives of PRIME Meghalaya in promoting entrepreneurship among youth through financial support, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives. He encouraged students to take advantage of such platforms to develop their ideas into successful ventures.
The event also witnessed the presence of Ms. Merika Suting, Official from PRIME Meghalaya, and Shri. S. Pala, Functional Manager, District Commerce and Industries Centre, Khliehriat.
The Ideathon focused on important Theme Areas including Tourism Development, Agriculture & Food Processing and Digital Solutions for Rural Development, Waste Management & Environment, Innovation in Electrical Systems, and Solutions in Coal Mining Areas.
Students from various colleges, including Nongtalang College, Don Bosco College Byndihati, Kiangnangbah Government College, and Thomas Jones Synod College, actively participated in the competition, presenting innovative ideas aligned with these themes, demonstrating creativity, feasibility, and real-world applicability.
The competition was judged by a panel comprising Shri. Damangbhaki Wann, Shri. S. Pala, and Shri. Besterwell Dkhar, HoD, Department of Commerce, who evaluated the participants based on innovation, feasibility, and presentation.
After a competitive and inspiring session, the winners were announced, 1st Prize ₹15,000, Kiang Nangbah Government College (Arwandao Dkhar, Noel Darnei, Odawanlangki Sutnga), 2nd Prize ₹10,000, Thomas Jones Synod College (Samanlangki Suchiang, Heibhahmi Suchen, Agatha Jongte, Dashailin Nongshli) and 3rd Prize ₹5,000 Nongtalang College (Phibakor L Gadew, Bismo Patro, Snehashish Bhattacharjee, Finance Bareh, Mimom Das)
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Shri. Remember Nongtdu, Assistant Professor, Jaintia Eastern College, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for making the event a grand success.
The Ideathon/Hackathon 2026 served as an excellent platform for students to express their creativity, develop innovative solutions, and foster entrepreneurial thinking among the youth.
