SHILLONG, OCT 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday attended the 15th Foundation Day of Mawkyllei College at Dorbar Lyngdoh Nonglait Ground, West Khasi Hills, in presence of Mawthadraishan MLA Shakliar Warjri as Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated the college and said the occasion is to recognise the people who established it, the community that sustained it, the teachers who carried its academic work and the students and families who placed their confidence in it.
Paying tribute to the founder, Sangma said, “On this day I pay my respects and gratitude to Late Hopingstone Lyngdoh, the founder and architect of this college and a great leader of our state.”
He also recalled the close association between Late Hopingstone Lyngdoh and Late P A Sangma and his family.Terming education as the most important sector for any government, Sangma said, “Education is the most powerful way to bring change in society.”
He said education has been a top priority of his government and listed the reforms since 2018, including higher budget allocation, improved board exam pass percentage, improved PGI ranking, setting up of new colleges and higher and technical institutions, and construction and renovation of school buildings.
“Education has seen a change and we are moving in the right direction but our journey is far from completion with a lot more to do in this sector,” he said.
Noting that education comes with many challenges, the Chief Minister called for collective effort and said the government aims to provide higher education opportunities even in rural areas.
He said the government is supporting a number of schools and colleges and is working on a policy to support performing institutions that give more options to students.
Announcing support to the college, the Chief Minister declared Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the college and an additional Rs 5 lakh for students to procure music and sports equipment.
“The first fifteen years have widened access to higher education and laid a strong community foundation. The next phase should build on this progress by strengthening academic quality, mentoring students more effectively and preparing them for higher studies, employment and service to society,” Sangma said.
Mawkyllei College was established on June 6, 2011, after the Mawkyllei village community realized that many Class XII pass-outs were unable to pursue higher education in distant towns due to cost constraints. With community resolve and the support of Late Hopingstone Lyngdoh, the college was set up and today caters to over 150 students with more than 18 teaching and non-teaching staff.
By Our Reporter
