From Our Correspondent
TURA, Jan 13: Prayers instead of consecration marked the launch of Meghalaya’s first state university on Monday. An opening prayer was conducted by Rev Wetterfield Marak and benediction was pronounced by Fr Januarius Sangma.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the varsity at Balalgre in South West Garo Hills in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal.
The university, named after the state’s founding Chief Minister Captain Williamson Sangma, reflects his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to education as a transformative force. With this milestone, Meghalaya addresses a long-standing aspiration, creating a hub for higher learning and innovation that will empower the youth of the state.
“Today is a red-letter day for Meghalaya and a testament to our government’s commitment to prioritise education. This university is the first step toward a brighter future for our youth, providing access to quality education and skill development. With determination and collective effort, we will build this university into a shining example for the state, the Northeast and the nation,” CM Sangma said.
Rakkam Sangma echoed these sentiments, calling the university a “gift to the people of Meghalaya” and a cornerstone for future generations. Sniawbhalang Dhar hailed it as a “dream realised” while the Speaker described it as a “beacon of knowledge, innovation and progress.”
Vice Chancellor Prof Vasanthi Vijayakumar outlined the university’s vision, emphasising a holistic educational approach that integrates academic rigour with skill development, innovation and community engagement.
Commissioner and Secretary of Education Vijay Kumar Mantri congratulated the people of the state on the historic establishment of the first state university. He described the achievement as a significant milestone, made possible through the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister.
Mantri commended the Chief Minister for his proactive efforts, including engaging directly with officials at the Ministry and the UGC, to secure the university’s recognition in a record time. He noted that the legislative Act for the university had to be amended three times to reach this stage.
Highlighting the growing enthusiasm among principals and educational institutions to affiliate their institutes with the new university, Mantri expressed optimism about its role in shaping the future of education in the state. He emphasised that the university would serve as a cornerstone for drafting educational schemes tailored to the state’s needs.
Others who were present on the occasion included MLAs Sanjay A Sangma, Ian Botham K Sangma, Subir Marak, Sengchim Marak, Jim Sangma, Limison Sangma, Marthon Sangma, CEM of GHADC Albinus Marak, Deputy CEM Nikman Marak, Nokmas, church and other religious leaders, family members of Captain Williamson Sangma and academicians.