Shillong, Oct 28: Disabled students and those from the below poverty line (BPL) families were among the 347 meritorious students who were felicitated during the 14th Meritorious Award 2017 held at the State Central Library here on Saturday.
The felicitation was organized by the Raid Laban Sports, Social and Cultural Organization (RLSSCO) under the leadership of NCP MLA, Sanbor Shullai.
Of these, a total of 130 toppers who have excelled in the different examinations were also awarded with laptops as a mark of encouragement and recognition of their hardwork and academic achievements.
The awards and laptops were handed over to the meritorious students by East Khasi Hills District Deputy Commissioner, Peter S. Dkhar and Shullai who is the MLA of South Shillong constituency besides other dignitaries and special invitees during the ceremony.
Over 4,000 students who hailed from different parts of South Shillong constituency have been felicitated during the last 14 years.
As in other years, the organization also included dropout students and those coming from families having varied political affiliations who passed out in any division to support and encourage them for their achievements.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the award ceremony, Shullai said that his decision to introduce the meritorious award was to extend financial support to students which are his top most priorities as public representative.
“Apart from laptops and awards, each awardee was given Rs 1,000 as fixed deposit for two years being deposited in their respective bank accounts,” he said while informing that every year, the organization is depositing Rs 3 lakh for over 300 students.
Shullai also informed that the organization is spending a total amount of Rs 10 lakh for felicitating the meritorious award adding that the laptops and mementoes are funded from his MLA scheme.
Asked, the sitting legislator said that the organization has decided to support the students belonging to BPL and dropouts because they are also equally important and can contribute to the society.
“Inspite of various hardships they face, yet they are determined to pass their examinations,” he said while informing that these students were mostly from evening schools, run by retired teachers in the constituency.
Earlier in his address as chief guest, the deputy commissioner lauded the organization for organizing the award ceremony annually.
“This kind of award is important to further encourage students in their studies and especially in view of the fact that many students not coming back to schools, is a matter of concern,” he said.
Appreciating the step taken to support students from difficult background, Dkhar asserted that helping such students should be a social obligation for everyone to come forward and assist them as no society would want youths to become a liability
