Book on India’s pvt varsities launched at Raj Bhavan
SHILLONG, Nov 6: A new book titled Private Universities in India: A Legal and Policy Blueprint Acts: Challenges, Reforms, and Strategies for Growth was unveiled by Governor CH Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. Authored by Prof (Dr) Sagar Onkarrao Manjare, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya, the book delves into India’s complex legal and educational frameworks and advocates for policies enhancing access, quality, and sustainability in higher education. By incorporating international frameworks such as those from UNESCO (2020) and the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015), the book stresses that educational reform must enhance access and quality, while adhering to global standards of sustainability. Inspired by MGU Chancellor Dr Rajan Chopra, this work aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, aiming to elevate educational standards and foster a skilled, inclusive workforce.
Choir competition, festival draw in talented youths from state
SHILLONG, Nov 7: The Open Western Acapella Choir Competition and Choir Singing Festival, organised by YMCA Shillong in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture took place at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture in Mawkasiang on Thursday. Hosted by Shillong Public School, the event brought together talented youth choirs from across the state. The festival was graced by Minister for Arts and Culture, Paul Lyngdoh, as the chief guest, and Principal Secretary FR Kharkongor as the guest of honour. In his address, Lyngdoh commended the efforts of all stakeholders in promoting choir singing, a genre rich in cultural and creative expression, and announced his vision to make the competition an annual event to support young talent. The competition featured performances judged by a panel of noted music personalities, including Pauline Warjri, Rimame Lyndem, Toshan Nongbet, and Gordon Thabah. St. Anthony’s College emerged as the winner, followed by St. Edmund’s College in second place, and St. Mary’s College of Teachers Education in third. The winners received cash prizes, trophies, and certificates, which were presented by Lyngdoh and Kharkongor.
24 youths to participate in prog at Jakarta, Indonesia
SHILLONG, Nov 7: After the culmination of the State Level Youth Exchange Programme 2024 here on Thursday, a total of 24 youths from Meghalaya have been chosen to attend the upcoming International Empower Youth Programme in Jakarta, Indonesia. Organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, the closing ceremony of the programme took place at the Convocation Hall, NEHU Shillong. The programme ran from November 4 to 7, and brought together talented youth from all 12 districts. The event featured a wide range of competitions and interactive sessions, including declamation, Quiz, poetry and story writing, painting, folk song and dance (both solo and group), and a science fair. These activities aimed to foster skills and creativity among the participants. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah congratulated the participants, commending their remarkable skills and dedication. The programme also served as a platform for selecting youth representatives to participate in North-East, National, and International level events.
Raitong govt LP school in Mawhati turns 75
NONGPOH, Nov 7: Raitong Government Lower Primary School, one of the oldest schools in Mawhati, celebrated its 75th anniversary on Thursday. The event was attended by Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, and other officials, students, teachers, and parents. In his address, Sangma encouraged students and teachers to embrace a love for learning and multilingualism, noting the state government’s efforts to open global job opportunities, such as a programme sending nurses to Japan. He urged students to consider language skills as a path to international employment, highlighting the successes of local youth working abroad. Sangma also shared his own educational journey, emphasising that dedicated teachers, not just infrastructure, are key to students’ growth. The school’s head teacher highlighted the need for additional infrastructure, including a new building to serve its 190 students, and more government-funded teaching positions. Currently, staff support is partly funded by teachers and parents. The education minister promised that a new school building would be constructed to alleviate overcrowding. Local MLA Charles Marngar, the event’s guest of honour, addressed the need for more higher secondary schools and a college in Mawhati, describing it as one of the most underserved constituencies. He urged the government to prioritise investment in higher education to meet the community’s growing demand. The celebration concluded with a commemorative plaque unveiling and a souvenir release, marking the school’s longstanding service to the community.
New coaching centre to prepare NE students for JEE, NEET exams
GUWAHATI, Nov 6: The SPM & Lalan’s Coaching for Success — a collaboration between SPM IAS Academy and Lalan’s Coaching Classes — has been launched in a bid to prepare students from the Northeast for JEE (Main & Advanced) and NEET examinations. According to a statement here, the coaching institute will include a team of expert faculty, many from the IIT backgrounds. “Backed by extensive knowledge and refined methodologies, these educators offer unparalleled guidance and insight for each student’s learning journey,” the statement said. Meanwhile, in a statement, the directors of SPM IAS Academy said, “Our collective goal with SPM & Lalan’s Coaching for Success is to provide a nurturing, academically rigorous environment that prepares students for the highest levels of achievement in entrance examinations like JEE (Advanced), JEE (Mains), and NEET. Building on our success in Civil Services coaching, we are dedicated to making quality coaching accessible for Engineering and Medical entrance examinations as well, empowering students to reach their full potential.” Meanwhile, the founder of Lalan’s Coaching Classes reflected on the launch and said, “SPM & Lalan’s Coaching for Success is dedicated to empowering students to reach their highest potential. Our mission is to provide top-quality coaching, expert mentorship, and a supportive learning environment to help students from Assam and the surrounding regions succeed.” (Sponsored)