SHILLONG: In accordance with the Meghalaya government’s commitment to fostering a culture of educational excellence, the Meghalaya Board of School Education’s top-scoring students were honored at the ongoing Meghalaya Education Symposium in Shillong. The students were presented mementos by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, and the Cabinet Minister for the Department of Education, Shri Rakkam A. Sangma, in a ceremony held at the Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture. The Meghalaya Education Symposium is one of the many initiatives of the Government of Meghalaya to improve educational infrastructure and was attended by dignitaries such as Cabinet Minister of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Shri H. M. Shangpliang, Advisor, Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya, Shri Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya, and many esteemed heads of educational institutions in Shillong.
The Cabinet Minister of the Department of Education, Shri Rakkam A. Sangma delivered the keynote address at the Meghalaya Education Symposium 2023, saying, “My friends, under the able and dynamic leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma, the Government of Meghalaya is focused on all-round development, and we are certain that our state is on the move ahead. In the mission objective to take our state forward, lots of intervention has taken place such as the establishment of universities, the opening of many People’s Colleges, and the upgradation of many old school buildings. We are committed to creating a conducive environment for our youth to emerge as leaders of tomorrow.”
Addressing the community of leaders, educators, and future citizens of the state, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, said in his inaugural address, “The Meghalaya Education Symposium 2023 is proud to host such a diverse range of participants, including my cabinet colleagues, senior government officials, educators, and esteemed thought leaders. I am glad for the opportunity to share this platform with all of you and discuss the crucial reforms that this government has initiated pertaining to the state’s education system. We are a state blessed with a vibrant youth population that deserves the best of opportunities, not only for a strong educational foundation but for a holistic and purpose-driven approach to their overall development. We have created a Youth Policy to engage and empower our youth and are actively working on the infrastructural upgrade of nearly 2000 Lower and Upper Primary schools, providing students with enhanced learning environments. Additionally, with a budget of Rs. 920 Crore, we are constructing 39 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to further bolster education accessibility. Understanding the significance of higher education, we have made significant strides in this area. Sanctioning 9 Peoples Colleges across the state ensures quality higher education for the rural masses, fostering equal opportunities for all. In our pursuit of enhancing digital learning, we distributed approximately 26,000 digital tablets to students in the fiscal year 2021-22.”
He further added, ” The government is keen on including suggestions and recommendations through the education symposium to continuously improve the higher education system. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the bright youngsters who have topped the Meghalaya Board of School Education examinations. I sincerely hope that our educational system can foster in students a healthy sense of competition that will help them succeed in their chosen fields.”
Cabinet Minister of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, addressed the gathering and emphasized the need for comprehensive education. She noted, ” I am glad to have the chance to stand before the future of our state and express pride in their capabilities as bearers of our hopes and aspirations. It is crucial that our educational system equips students with not only academic knowledge but also practical skills and values to navigate the challenges of the real world. Education is the means to transform the future of Meghalaya. We look forward to working together to further enhance the quality of education in our state.“
The Meghalaya Education Symposium 2023 served as a forum for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between leaders, educators, and education sector stakeholders. It allowed for the exchange of innovative ideas in an effort to develop a comprehensive plan for the future of education in Meghalaya.
