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Varsity consecration: Rakkam retracts, says he was misquoted

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Blessing to be sought from all religious leaders: Education Minister

SHILLONG, Jan 9: Under fire for his reported statement about holding a Christian consecration of Captain Williamson Sangma State University in the “Christian state” of Meghalaya, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma on Thursday went on the defensive and claimed that he was misquoted by the media.
He clarified blessings would be sought from all religious leaders for the university and the state for inclusivity.
“We will seek the blessings of all stakeholders, including religious leaders, for our university, our students, and our state. There is nothing wrong in seeking blessings,” he told reporters.
He clarified that he had been misquoted by the media regarding the nature of the event. The launch ceremony on January 13 is expected to be attended by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and senior officials.
Earlier, Sangma had claimed that the state government was planning a large-scale prayer service to consecrate the university. However, various religious groups, including church bodies, raised concerns over the exclusivity of such an event while slamming the minister for his assertion that the consecration aligns with Meghalaya’s identity as a Christian state.
“If Parliament can be inaugurated with Hindu ritual why not Christian rituals in a Christian state? We will be performing a grand payer service,” he had stated.
Meanwhile, Sangma shared key updates on the university’s operations.
He assured that the state government would bear all expenses for the newly-established institution. He said while not all disciplines may start this year, the government is committed to ensuring that the university’s academic session begins in 2025.
To facilitate its functioning, the government has plans to create around 150 sanctioned posts, with 50 already approved.
Calling January 13 as a “historic day” for Meghalaya, the minister highlighted the significance of the event, noting that this is Meghalaya’s first university in its 52 years of existence.
“Education is the only sector that can transform any community, and the standard of living is measured by the quality of education,” he said, adding that, “Until and unless the education sector is transformed, progress is not possible.”
On the day of the launch, the Vice Chancellor of the university will assume office, marking the start of its operations.
The Captain Williamson Sangma State University, named after Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, was inaugurated in January 2023. Until now, colleges in Meghalaya were affiliated to North-Eastern Hill University. But with the establishment of the state university, colleges across the state can now seek affiliation to the new institution.

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