By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 26: Advisor to the Social Welfare department, Paul Lyngdoh, on Saturday emphasised that Meghalaya’s true strength lies not in numbers, but in the quality of its people.
Speaking at a programme celebrating 25 years of Dinet Manik Syiem Memorial School, Nongthymmai, Lyngdoh said that a community’s strength cannot be measured by quantity alone.
“When we talk in terms of numbers, there were more mourners at Zubeen Garg’s funeral in Guwahati recently than there are Khasis in Meghalaya. Our strength, therefore, must come from quality, not quantity,” he remarked.
The former Cabinet Minister highlighted the importance of envisioning a quality population, citing the Parsi community as an example of how a small minority can excel through enterprise, discipline, and education.
“Our strength has to come from our quality, and that quality can only be achieved through the pursuit of education,” he asserted.
Lyngdoh also highlighted Meghalaya’s potential, noting the state’s “inherent strengths” in education, soft skills, and English proficiency.
“Shillong once used to be the education hub of the region. The challenge before us today is not to live on the glory of the past, but to regain it—and that is a challenge we must win,” he said.
He further stressed the need for visionary planning for the state’s next 50 years, emphasizing inter-departmental collaboration. “Education, sports, youth affairs, and social welfare are all interlinked. We need to work in synergy, and synergy brings energy,” he added.
Lyngdoh also donated Rs 2 lakh to the school’s development fund and expressed satisfaction over the growth of both the day and morning sections.
Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Banteilang Kharshandi, who also addressed the gathering, said that teaching is a profession that requires both dedication and a calling.
Sharing insights from his inspections of schools across Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills, he urged teachers to prioritize Science and Technology education.
The school’s Principal, Drimsibon Kharkongor, recalled that the institution was founded by her late father, Dinet Manik Syiem, in 2000 with only a handful of students and committed teachers.
She added that the morning section for underprivileged students was launched in 2011 with just nine students. While acknowledging the need for further improvements, she expressed gratitude that the school has faithfully served the community for 25 years.
Bibhudatta Sahu, a longtime associate of the school, presented a five-year development plan aimed at enhancing learning outcomes, increasing enrolment, strengthening extracurricular activities, and positioning the school among the top educational institutions in the state.
