The entrepreneurs who are representing various sectors have joined more than 90 startups, including investors and innovators, for a weeklong iconic event celebrating bold ideas and scalable impact. Vienna UP 2025 is being organised by Vienna Business Agency, hosted by 45 programme partners, exposing the participants to the startup ecosystem of Vienna, providing them with the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and investors from different parts of the world.

On May 8th, ahead of their journey, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, also met and interacted with the entrepreneurs and extended his best wishes while also commending their contribution to elevating the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the state on a global platform. He commended the participants who are currently in Vienna, saying, “It fills me with great pride that the ideas and innovations born from our hills are being showcased at a global stage. The fact that they could even reach such an international event speaks volumes regarding the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of Meghalaya and its cultural richness. This is not only a personal achievement for them, but a celebration for the entire state. The world is getting a view into the new, vibrant Meghalaya – one that is bold, creative, and ready to lead.”

PRIME Meghalaya has been having an impactful role to play in the entrepreneurial journey of these entrepreneurs, whom they have been handholding through incubation, mentoring, and funding. Their innovations, representing Meghalaya’s rich heritage and indigenous products, have already caught the attention of European stakeholders who are interested in ethically handmade, culturally relevant products. Some products, including Eri silk textiles, handcrafted goods, as well as traditional beverages, have gone down well with the stakeholders, participants, and investors alike. These products are the kind that are being sought after as environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives, ones where the entrepreneurs of Meghalaya are showing immense promise.

The eight entrepreneurs from Meghalaya are not only presenting their businesses but are also ambassadors of the creative development and entrepreneurial spirit of the state. The participation of these startups in the Vienna UP 2025 will provide them with valuable global insights, broaden their perspectives, open avenues for cross-country collaborations, and accelerate their growth potential as well as exposure to global markets and meaningful impact on their ventures in Meghalaya. It is also an opportunity to build relationships and learn from some of the innovative minds in the startup world, as well as an inspiration to empower more youth from the state to dream big and contribute to the growth and sustainability of Meghalaya’s economy.

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The visit is a part of Meghalaya’s broader agenda to promote its organic and natural agricultural products, empower farmers through market access, and strengthen Meghalaya’s presence in the global agri-business sector. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been identified as a key market for Meghalaya’s produce, given its demand for high-quality products and its position as a global trade hub.

Nestled in the heart of Northeast India, Meghalaya, known as the “Abode of Clouds,” is home to unique ecosystems, fertile lands, and a predominantly agrarian population. With over 80% of Meghalaya’s population engaged in agriculture, the state has focused on developing sustainable farming systems, promoting organic cultivation, and integrating farmers into high-value global supply chains.

Meghalaya has taken progressive steps to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage farmer collectivization, and promote exports. Through initiatives like the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD-NER), the state has facilitated aggregation, value addition, and branding of its premium produce, including GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Lakadong Turmeric, Organic Ginger, and Pineapple.

Key Events in Dubai:

The Meghalaya delegation, comprising senior government officials, FPO representatives, and entrepreneurs, will participate in the following key events:

17th March 2025: Product Showcase at Our Wellness Village Café, Sahara Centre, Sharjah

• Exclusive promotion of Meghalaya’s organic products to UAE consumers and businesses.
• Interaction with buyers, retailers, and hospitality industry stakeholders.

18th March 2025: Promotional Event at Lulu Hypermarket, Silicon Oasis, Dubai

• Display and retail promotion of Meghalaya’s premium agricultural products
• Meetings with trade partners to expand export volumes and explore new product categories.

The state’s “Meghalaya Model of Development” focuses on sustainable economic growth while ensuring environmental conservation, local community empowerment, and inclusive progress.

Recognizing the potential of Meghalaya’s organic produce in international markets, MSAMB signed an MoU with Lulu Group International in November 2023 anchored by The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This strategic partnership has already resulted in the successful export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s agricultural export journey.

Building upon this success, the Dubai Market Exposure Visit will further strengthen trade relationships, open new channels for export, and enhance global awareness about Meghalaya’s unique agricultural offerings

The Market Exposure Visit to Dubai is designed to:

• Strengthen trade and business linkages between Meghalaya and the UAE.
• Provide farmer representatives with direct exposure to global market trends and consumer preferences.
• Promote Meghalaya’s organic and GI-tagged products in the UAE retail sector.
• Encourage investment in Meghalaya’s agribusiness sector through collaborations with global buyers.
• Expand the export footprint of Meghalaya’s agricultural products, enhancing income opportunities for farmers.

The initiative is expected to boost Meghalaya’s agricultural exports, create new trade partnerships, and increase farmer incomes, all while positioning Meghalaya as a leader in organic and sustainable agriculture.

The Government of Meghalaya is committed to strengthening agribusiness infrastructure, enhancing value addition, and facilitating farmer access to international markets. Through its flagship “Meghalaya Collective” brand, the state is building a strong identity for its agricultural products, ensuring quality, traceability, and premium market positioning.

With continued efforts in organic certification, logistics enhancement, and strategic partnerships, Meghalaya is poised to become a key player in India’s global agri-export ecosystem.

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From 4600 in 2018, we have been able to raise the number of SHGs to 45000, says the Hon’ble Chief Minister; Presidents laud the efforts of the Government

MUMBAI: The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Programme organized by the Government of Meghalaya, at the Baljek Airport, Tura. During her visit, the Hon’ble President also laid the foundation stone for the New Integrated Administration Complex, marking a significant step towards enhanced administrative capabilities in the region. Esteemed dignitaries in attendance included Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Minister of Community & Rural Development, Shri Abu Taher Mondal, Minister of Education, Shri Rakkam A Sangma amongst others.

Reflecting on the women of Meghalaya and the SHGs, the Hon’ble President said, “I have interacted with many SHGs of Women. I have noted that they are all happier and more satisfied after they start earning and contributing economically to the family. I have witnessed the same confidence and energy among all the women present here today. The idea of women-led development can be implemented only when women get the freedom to implement their choices. I do not mean that women can make decisions only if they are the earning member of the family but economic self-reliance brings a better self-confidence in women.”

Lauding the efforts of the Conrad Sangma-led Government, the Hon’ble President spoke about different SHGs of Meghalaya and said that these initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi “aim to transfer the rural economy and improve quality of life of rural people by promoting women entrepreneurship. The people need to take all the opportunities that the Government is providing them. It is said ‘Ek Akela thak jaayega, milkar bojh uthana’, and the SHGs reflect the same where the women come into groups and empower themselves, receive financial support from the Government, banks, and other institutions”.

Speaking at the program, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad Sangma said, “We express our earnest gratitude to our respected President for her maiden visit to our state. Being the first tribal President of the country is indeed a very special moment for each one of us. In Meghalaya, we had less than 4600 Self Help Groups when he took over the government in 2018. In mere 5-6 years, we have been able to raise this number of groups to nearly 45000. Today, almost one woman from every rural household is a part of one SHG or the other. Our government does not believe in scheme-based development. We believe in a stakeholder-based approach, a purpose-driven approach, for the youth, women, and Farmers of Meghalaya”.

The highlight of the event was a compelling success story presented by Smt. Venella D Sangma, an SHG member, spoke about how the support from the Government transformed her hardships into opportunities for growth. Hon’ble President went down the dais and talked to hundreds of women in person, listened to their stories visited the stalls, and gave them suggestions for growth.

Following this, President Murmu participated in the disbursement of the Community Investment Fund amounting to Rs 25 crores and loans worth Rs 32 crore, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering local communities. Additionally, she awarded certificates to three exemplary SHGs and three Village Organizations, recognizing their outstanding contributions to community development.

Initially, Hon’ble Minister of Community & Rural Development Shri Abu Taher Mondal conferred the welcome address and thanked the Honourable President for visiting the state. Hon’ble Minister laid focus on the growth of SHGs in the state and the programs including PRIME, FOCUS and FOCUS+, CM ELEVATE, and others highlighting their transformative role in the lives of the people of Meghalaya.

After the successful program at Baljek Airport, President Murmu proceeded to Shillong to lay the foundation stone for the Shillong Peak ropeway project and inaugurate other key infrastructure projects, further underlining the government’s dedication to fostering progress and connectivity in the region.

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In an exclusive event at Tura, the launch of the anthem added a symphony of excitement to the upcoming Meghalaya Games scheduled from January 15 to January 20. Crafted under the West Garo Hills DC Initiative for the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, the anthem carries the essence of Meghalaya’s rich cultural tapestry, making it a unifying force for communities across the state.

Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma said, “The anthem ‘Here We Go’ embodies the values of unity, perseverance, and the indomitable Meghalayan spirit. May it echo through stadiums, inspire our athletes to push their limits, and create lasting memories for all who participate and witness the Meghalaya Games.”

Shri Shakliar Warjri, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, while unveiling the anthem song stated, “The anthem encapsulates the essence of unity, passion, and the unwavering determination that defines our Meghalaya Games. It is a testament to the Vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to harness the power of sports in bringing people together, transcending boundaries, and fostering a sense of pride in our rich cultural heritage. I extend my gratitude to the talented individuals, Summersalt and NOKPANTE, who have contributed to the creation of this anthem that will resonate in the hearts of our youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence and embody the true spirit of sportsmanship.”

The lyrics, composed by Kit Shangpliang of Summersalt, along with Mikhael Marak from NOKPANTE, weave a motivational narrative echoing the values of hard work, discipline, and resilience. The orchestration, led by Augustine Kurbah, incorporates indigenous musical elements, creating a rhythm that mirrors the heartbeat of Meghalaya.

Summersalt’s Kit Shangpliang expresses gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “As a band, we have taken many similar projects in the recent past, but this one has been a labor of love. The melody is hummable, the rhythm foot-tapping, and the lyrics motivational. Our partnership with NOKPANTE has been seamless, and we thank the District Administration for their trust.”

NOKPANTE’s Mikhail Marak adds, “We’ve made it a point to incorporate the Garo and Khasi chants to inject indigeneity into what we’d like to believe is a big song, also, being intentional to have equitable representation of the musical identities of both Khasi and Garo hills. We hope the crowd, especially, the sports community like it.”

‘Here We Play’ will be played throughout the Meghalaya Games 2024 and beyond, becoming the anthem for the event and accompanying medal ceremonies. The convergence of victory chants, symbolized by ‘Hoikiw’ and ‘Ahowee,’ reflects Meghalaya’s dedication to sports excellence.

Meghalaya Games has evolved into a premier sporting event, providing a platform for over 3,000 athletes across 19 disciplines. The success of the 4th edition in Shillong showcased the state’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent, with 700-plus medals awarded to outstanding individuals and teams. As Meghalaya Games 2024 approaches, the unveiling of ‘Here We Play’ heralds a celebration of unity, diversity, and sporting prowess of the state.

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The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, organizes the National Energy Conservation Day and Awards. The BEE is delegated to regulate and promote energy efficiency and its conservation in India as per the Energy Conservation Act 2001. The Government of India gives these awards every year on 14th December to various sectors of the economy, recognizing their exemplary efforts on energy conservation in the country.

Meghalaya’s exceptional performance in the State Energy Efficiency Index earned it recognition. The state’s steadfast dedication to energy conservation and efficiency underscores its noteworthy achievement. Shri Abu Taher Mondal, Hon’ble Minister of the Department of Power, Government of Meghalaya, expressed his jubilation, stating that the award reflects their commitment to sustainable practices and energy conservation, motivating them to persist in their endeavors towards a greener and more energy-efficient future.

Meghalaya is heavily dependent on hydropower for its power procurement and has been generating green power. To harness solar power, Meghalaya has planned solar parks at two locations with a capacity of 20 MW each. The distribution losses in MePDCL have been reduced gradually in recent years. Compared to the distribution losses of 25% in the financial year 2021-2022, the distribution loss in the financial year 2022-2023 was 16%. Several measures have been taken to improve billing efficiency, and the draft Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is under consideration for implementation. A Demand Side Management Cell has also been established in MePDCL under the assistance of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, New Delhi, to formulate a suitable business model to adopt DSM activities. The Publicity and Awareness activities are being carried out by the SDA regularly.

The Meghalaya Energy Conservation Regulation-2017 has been notified by the Government to promote the use of BEE Star level appliances in public procurement and ban the use of incandescent lamps and inefficient magnetic-wire chocks of Tube lights. The Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, launched recently by the Government of Meghalaya, aims to have 15% of the state’s vehicles be electric by 2025. The policy offers purchase incentives for early adoption of EVs based on the energy capacity of the battery.

In conclusion, Meghalaya’s recognition at the NECA 2023 is a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient power infrastructure. The objective is not only to meet the energy requirements of the community but also to establish a foundation for enhanced service reliability and overall progress in the region.

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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.

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