SHILLONG, July 25: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Saturday urged students to balance ambition with patience, cautioning that while today’s youth are more daring and willing to explore new opportunities than ever before, impatience and confusion in choosing the right path could become a challenge not only for individuals but for society as a whole.
Addressing the gathering at the 91st Foundation Day celebration of Lady Keane College, Rymbui said the rapid pace of technological and educational transformation has created immense opportunities, but has also left many young people uncertain about their future.
“Today’s youth are ambitious, daring and willing to venture into new fields, but at the same time they are very impatient. Sometimes they try to do everything at once and eventually do not know what they really want to pursue,” he said.
Highlighting the changing nature of education, the minister said the focus has shifted from rote learning to critical thinking and problem-solving. He noted that technological advancements have transformed not only the way students learn but also how information is consumed and communicated.
“Whether a message is delivered through a long lecture or a one-minute video, what matters is that the message should be clear and meaningful,” he said, while encouraging students to use digital platforms and available educational resources constructively.
Rymbui observed that governments have invested significantly in education and youth development, but stressed that policymaking must go beyond infrastructure and programmes to address the aspirations and restless minds of young people.
“We need the patience of our youth, not impatience. The foundation has been laid, the platform has been created, and now we must move forward together. Policymaking today is no longer top-down; we listen to the ideas of the youth and develop policies through collaboration,” he said.
The Education Minister lauded Lady Keane College for its remarkable 91-year legacy, saying the institution has made invaluable contributions to higher education in Meghalaya and the Northeast.
He commended the dedication of its faculty, recognised long-serving teachers, applauded the college’s growing research culture, and congratulated meritorious students and achievers honoured during the programme.
The Director of Higher & Technical Education, H.D.B. Sangma, described Lady Keane College as a beacon of women’s education and empowerment whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
She said investing in women’s education remains one of the most powerful investments any society can make.
“Educate a woman, and you educate a generation,” she remarked, adding that the institution stands as a testimony to the transformative role of women’s education.
Sangma said higher education today is being reshaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, biotechnology, and innovation, making adaptability and continuous learning essential qualities for students.
“The greatest strength of a student is not merely the knowledge acquired within the classroom, but the ability to learn continuously, adapt confidently, think critically, solve problems creatively and work collaboratively,” she said.
She stressed that while degrees may open doors, attitude, character, competence, and creativity ultimately determine success in life.
She said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes multidisciplinary education, research, innovation, flexibility, and skill development, enabling holistic growth of students. She was confident that Lady Keane College was well positioned to lead this transformative journey.
The celebration commenced with the hoisting of the college flag and the singing of the College Anthem, followed by a welcome address by Principal-in-Charge A.M. Shangpliang. A video presentation showcasing the institution’s milestones over the past 91 years highlighted the college’s contributions to women’s education and academic excellence.
The programme also featured the felicitation of faculty members for completing 25 years of dedicated service, recognition of research publications, awards for meritorious Higher Secondary students, honours for the Students’ Cell, PWD Cell, and Fashion Design Certificate Course, as well as awards for achievements in co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Members of the Students’ Council were felicitated for their contributions, too.
The College magazine, the Keanean Journal of Arts, and the History Department’s annual magazine were released as part of the celebrations.
The event concluded with cultural performances by Higher Secondary students and the inauguration of SEED’s sanitary incinerator and vending machine by the guest of honour, underscoring the institution’s commitment to student welfare and sustainable campus initiatives.
