From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Aug 30: Meritorious students of Umling C&RD, who excelled in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination 2025, were on Saturday felicitated at a special programme organised by the National People’s Party (NPP), Jirang Block, along with local MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, at St. Francis Assisi Hall, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Byrnihat.
Besides honouring toppers from different schools, the NPP Jirang Block also recognised the efforts of school principals for their dedicated contribution in imparting quality education to the youth of the area.
The programme further felicitated Wanmontimai Marbaniang, who has recently been appointed as the new president of the National People’s Women Front (NPWF), Ri-Bhoi.
The event was attended by chairman of the Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency, Rupert Momin, as the chief guest, and Ri-Bhoi District School Education Officer (DSEO), Savio Blah, as the guest of honour.
Leaders of Byrnihat Parish, principals, teachers, and students from various schools were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the local MLA said that since his election in 2018, he has been organising this annual programme to encourage students to strive harder in their academic pursuits.
Sohtun expressed hope that in the coming years, students from the constituency would secure places in the Top 20 list of the SSLC examination, while announcing his plan to introduce special awards for achievers who reach that milestone.
Momin, on the other hand, spoke about the importance of hard work in achieving success, citing Sohtun himself as an example of perseverance leading to leadership.
He added that education is the most powerful tool for progress, while noting that the strongest nations in the world are those that have advanced through education.
He urged students to work with determination so that Meghalaya, too, can move forward in terms of knowledge, economy and social development.
The programme also featured cultural performances, including songs and dances presented by students in traditional attire, which added vibrancy to the celebration.
