SHILLONG: Social Welfare Minister Deborah Ch Marak has urged the youth of the State to come out of their ‘cocoon’ and grab opportunities that come their way.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebration of Shillong Academy Secondary School, organised at the Women’s College here on Thursday, she said, “Instead of creating hurdles try to come out of your cocoon, go out and grab those opportunities that are available outside.”
Admitting that jobs in the State Government have reached a saturation point, she said, “How many of our tribal girls are working as airhostesses and in the hospitality industry? Our education has to be viable so that it can usher employment to the students. We have to teach our students so that they are employable and have to tune the education system to make it generate greater employment opportunities.”
On the present education scenario in the State, Deborah said that the government is trying to cover schools under various grants and schemes and is also extending its hand to other areas.
“I understand and acknowledge that if educational institutions are not fully government sponsored then there is a problem,” she said.
She acknowledged the contributions of Shillong Academy Secondary School in the field of educating underprivileged children and other social services in the society.
“It was due to the efforts of the Britishers that Shillong became the educational hub of the Northeast and to maintain that we have to work hard or else we may slip down from our position. We have to take a constant relook and stay abreast to keep pace with ever-changing times. We have to bring it to the normal situation or else I am afraid we will not be able to retain the position,” she said while recalling a quote by Nelson Mandela who had stated: “Education is the most powerful weapon through which you can change the world.”
Earlier, the function began with opening songs by noted singer Paromita Desmukh and welcome address by Preeti Deb, Headmistress of the School. Traditional fashion show, recitation by Bipasha Deb, Khasi dance, Bihu dance, Tagore dance and Bhangra dance enthralled the packed auditorium.
Ambrose R Marak, Director, School Education and Literacy, Swami Achyuteshananda Maharaj, secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong and President of the school managing committee and ex-parliamentarian, Dr BB Dutta, also spoke on the occasion.
The annual report of the school was also presented and a souvenir was also released on the occasion.