SHILLONG: Over 1,000 students from colleges and schools of West Khasi Hills District gathered at the Tirot Sing Memorial Hall at Mairang to celebrate the completion of programmes under the Aspire Meghalaya initiative in the district on Friday.
Participants graduated from an intensive 20-hour curriculum focused on soft skills, life coaching and well-being practices to young ones from classes VI-IX and young adults in higher secondary schools and colleges.
Aspire Meghalaya is supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and implemented by the state Department of Arts and Culture through the State Partner, AVENUES Shillong.
The workshops conducted by AVENUES are aimed at making tribal youth in the state career-ready, confident and emotionally resilient, while creating a unique platform for every child to recognise a talent and identify a career aspiration.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Education Lahkmen Rymbui commended the students for their performance and transformation.
“These are the words which enable you to live, understand yourself and move ahead. Sometimes we think that the opportunities aren’t there and focus on how we are lagging behind. But when I see your performances and testimonies today, I know you are second to none. You are unique in your own self. You are Meghalaya, the youth of today.”
The Minister urged the young students to constantly reinvent, reskill themselves and relearn through life. “You are fortunate to have the government of India and the government of Meghalaya supporting you through this project and many others. Recently the Chief Minister has launched a support programme for preparing aspirants for the Civil Service Examinations. We have programmes in mind for every strata of society with this government.”
SDO, Mairang Civil Sub-division, AlertsonNongsiej, who felicitated the students of St Thomas Higher Secondary School with Certificates of Participation said, “Each one of us has an aspiration. ‘I will, I can’ should be your motto always.” He also urged the young voters present to participate in the Election Commission of India’s ‘Electoral Voter Participation’ by coming forward to check the correctness of their EPIC cards.
Chairman, State Expert Appraisal Committee, Naba Bhattacharjee congratulated the audience and principals at the programme while urging the students to practise their newly acquired skills.
The highlight of the programme was a performance by St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Tirot Sing Memorial College, Khadsawphra College and Mairang Presbyterian Science College singing their anthem for change – “Sound of Survival” made popular across the districts through the Aspire Meghalaya programme.
A number of youngsters showcased their talents honed through the workshops. Rose Kharsyntiew of Mairang Presbyterian Science College sung the Elvis classic on guitar “Can’t help falling in Love” to a warm reception, while an original Khasi Folk Song “Mei Mariang” written by Balasiewdor Ryntathiang performed by Sita Mary Kharmawphlang from Khadsawphra College left the audience mesmerized. An inspired performance of a Khasi Phawar by the students of Khadsawphra College had the audience on their feet. “Kamaiia ka Hok” made popular by the Rock On 2 featured band- Summersault, was performed with finesse by Christine Sawkmie of Mairang Presbyterian Science College. Local dance sensation, Stave Thabah of Mairang Presbyterian Science Collegeset the stage alight with a Michael Jackson versus Prabhu Deva styled dance routines.
Through Avenues’ team of Life Coaches and Soft Skills Instructors, Aspire Meghalaya intends to impact the lives of over 4,000 youth across eight districts in the weeks ahead. The programme was earlier launched by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
