Sohra Twa Presbyterian LP School celebrates 175th anniversary
SHILLONG: School Education and Literacy Minister Deborah Marak has called upon students of the state to shun dependence on reservation in order to compete with their counterparts from the rest of the country. Marak was speaking at the inaugural function of the 175th anniversary celebration (Dosquicentennial) of Sohra Twa Presbyterian LP School at Sohra on Wednesday. “Though we have reservation and quota we should not be dependent on them. Even the cut off marks for tribal students at educational institutions outside the state is 95-96 per cent,” she said. Expressing concern over Shillong losing its ‘educational hub’ tag the School Education minister said, “We have reputed schools and colleges in Meghalaya but parents are sending their children outside. Why can’t we bring them back? Together with the support of the teachers we can make education an asset for the state.” Meanwhile, during the function, she recollected the efforts of the missionaries who were instrumental in setting up the school at Sohra that has contributed to the educational system in the state. Lauding the valuable contribution made by the Sohra Twa Presbyterian L.P. School, Marak said, “Despite several drawbacks in terms of limited space, building and classroom the school has survived 175 years.” Earlier, the minister also made a surprise visit to Maurice Patrick King Memorial Secondary School before heading to the function. Later, speaking to reporters, she said, “We have to compete to be at par with others.” Commenting on the educational scenario in the rural areas in comparison to the urban ones, she said, “Schools in the rural areas are the most neglected. The schools have to be maintained properly.” Replying to a query on the burden of heavy school bags on students, she said that measures are being taken to tackle the problem.