Shillong, April 10: The Government of Meghalaya marked a proud occasion as Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma felicitated top-performing students of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination conducted by the Meghalaya Board of School Education.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said that the initiative is aimed at motivating young students and recognising their hard work and achievements.
“Our intention is to motivate our youngsters and ensure that we express our appreciation to them. This is one of the ways we have started the process,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of personal engagement, Sangma noted that such recognition becomes more meaningful when accompanied by direct interaction. He invited the toppers to his residence, where he spent time with them and shared a meal.
“It becomes more special when the Chief Minister invites them personally, spends time with them, and even shares breakfast. These are moments they will remember for a long time,” he added.
The Chief Minister expressed his intention to make the felicitation ceremony an annual event, describing it as a small yet significant step towards inspiring students across the state.
He further informed that a similar programme will be organised for students from the Garo Hills region on April 18, citing logistical challenges that prevented all toppers from attending the Shillong event.
Acknowledging the challenges within the education system, Sangma stated that no system is perfect and that constructive criticism is always welcome.
Reflecting on past trends, he noted that lower pass percentages in earlier years often discouraged students and affected their confidence.
“When results were around 50 percent, many students felt their dreams were over even before they began. This led to loss of confidence and even depression. We want to change that mindset,” he said.
Emphasising a positive outlook, the Chief Minister underscored that failure in examinations is not the end of a student’s journey and reiterated the government’s commitment to building a more supportive and encouraging educational environment in Meghalaya.
