Tura, May 19: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the newly relocated 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC at Cherangre, Tura, marking a significant step towards strengthening youth development and NCC activities in the Garo Hills region.
The programme featured a Guard of Honour, ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling of the commemorative plaque, tree plantation, cultural presentations, felicitation of cadets, and interaction sessions with former NCC cadets.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the inauguration as a “momentous occasion” and said the establishment of the battalion in Tura was “almost like a dream come true.” He highlighted the important role of the NCC in instilling discipline, patriotism, leadership, and character among young people.
Recalling his childhood aspirations of joining the armed forces and later becoming a police officer, Conrad Sangma said the discipline and dedication associated with uniformed services had deeply inspired him from a young age.
“The NCC instils discipline, patriotism, hard work, and values that shape young people into responsible citizens,” he said while stressing that youth empowerment remains one of the Government’s highest priorities.
The Chief Minister stated that development should be measured not merely through infrastructure or expenditure, but by the number of lives positively transformed through such investments. Referring to Meghalaya’s recently announced Youth and Sports Policy, he said the initiative provides a roadmap for empowering youth through education, sports, culture, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
He also assured continued Government support for strengthening NCC infrastructure and youth-focused initiatives in the state. “This is not an expenditure — it is an investment. The returns from investing in our youth will be far greater than the money spent,” he remarked.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s growing recognition at the national and international levels, the Chief Minister said the state now has the confidence to dream big and compete alongside larger states.
The 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC traces its origins to the 15 Assam Artillery Battery NCC raised in 1961 and was upgraded as the 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC in October 2020. The battalion currently oversees NCC training activities across five districts of Garo Hills.
Under the Border Area Expansion Plan, the unit has expanded its reach from 3 colleges and 6 schools to 7 colleges and 18 schools, with nearly 2,400 cadets enrolled as of May 2026.
The battalion was officially relocated from Shillong to Tura on March 3, 2026, with additional land and infrastructure support provided by the Government to strengthen its operations in the region.
The programme concluded with the NCC song, National Anthem, group photograph, and interaction with mediapersons
