By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Nine meritorious students who received gold medals from NEHU for their academic excellence in 2011 were awarded the Maitshaphrang Academic Award 2012 at a gathering held at NEHU premises here on Friday.
The award ceremony organized by the KSU-NEHU unit was attended by Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong, Prof Jemino Mawthoh, President of the KSU-NEHU unit Robert Kharjahrin, members of the FKJGP and KSU, students, parents and others.
Addressing the gathering, Lanong stressed on the need to make the youth aware of the importance of being self dependent and not to strive ahead in grabbing whatever opportunities that comes their way.
“The problem with the youth in Meghalaya is their hesitation to accept small jobs or venture into new things and this kind of mindset should be eliminated to bring about development”, he said.
Meanwhile, general secretary of KSU central body Auguster Jyrwa pointed out that with the increase of youth population in the state, the rate of drop outs is also on the rise.
According to last year’s survey, increase in drop outs rate is more in West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills and there seem to be no signs of decrease in the number this year as well, he said.
“There are at least hopes, that with the implementation of the Right to Education Act, this problem will to some extent be solved and hoped that the state government implements this act as soon as possible”, Jyrwa said.
Later, the awards were presented to the nine awardees by BM Lanong who included Iahunlang Nongsiej, Shailiba Khongkhmian, Deiborlang Nongsiej, Mandahakani Ksoo, Evansara Shullai, Aitisha Nongbet, Aveek Lyngdoh, Banshai Kupar C Mawlong and La-i-kynti Kharshiing.
