Toppers awarded with laptops for studies

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JAN 20: Over 170 toppers were awarded laptops to acknowledge their academic achievements in the examination at different level at a government sponsored function on Friday.

Minister in-charge Information Technology & Communications Department Ampareen Lyngdoh distributed the laptops to the meritorious students in the presence of IT senior officials and proud parents and teachers.

The laptops (ASER)-with three years guarantee- were given to as many as 178 students who have excelled in their SSLC, HSSLC, ICSE, CBSE, ISC exams 2016 sanctioned by the state government at a cost of Rs 75 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Lyngdoh said that education is a capital investment and is a permanent asset to all.

Extending her congratulations to all the toppers, she said, “We honour your dedication and hard work with small gifts and would like to send a loud message that we wish to build a sense of dedication and discipline among you.”

She said there is no shortcut to success and to be successful one needs to be focused and discipline.

She also reminded the students that technology cannot replace the lifelong teachings gained from teachers and parents and added that technology is only a medium to reach the goals.

She informed that the IT department has been at the forefront in building IT skills in the state and have carried out a study to identify such skills required by the students of the state.

“We have designed and launched programme for providing trainings our students in line with the industrial requirements,” Lyngdoh added.

IT Commissioner & Secretary DP Wahlang announced the award which was started way back in 2007 and said it will also include CBSE class X students in the next year’s ceremony.

He observed that the trend has changed when earlier the top positions used to be captured mostly by students from urban areas but now students from rural areas have also come to the fore front, which is a sign of encouragement.

“This is just the beginning as you still have lots of challenges ahead and I am sure you will conquer them as well,” he added.

Answering to a common point raised by many as to why laptops are given, the senior officer referred to a study conducted in USA which states that 78% of students with laptops become more engaged while 50% become more attentive.