MAWRYNGKNENG, Sept 4: From the son of a poor farmer and a MeSEB bill clerk to a professor at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), NPP’s Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll candidate Dr DRL Nonglait on Friday sought to connect with voters in Mawryngkneng by highlighting his humble beginnings and close understanding of rural life.
Addressing a campaign programme in the constituency, Nonglait said he had never imagined entering electoral politics but felt compelled to contest because he believed the state and the community needed his experience and contribution.
Nonglait, who hails from Lawbyrtun under Hima Mawiaweng, said around 80 per cent of the constituency’s population was dependent on agriculture and allied activities. Coming from a similar background, he said he understood the difficulties faced by farmers and rural families.
He also highlighted his association with the development of educational institutions in the state. Recalling his role in assisting Riwar College in obtaining support after securing NEHU affiliation, Nonglait said he advised the institution to approach Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, after which it developed into a “people’s college”.
He also praised Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar for his role in transforming Nongtalang, Thomas Jones, Shangpung and Khliehriat colleges into people-oriented institutions, despite the absence of an NPP MLA in those constituencies.
According to Nonglait, such initiatives encouraged him to work more closely with the government and contribute to the state’s development.
On education reforms, he said the education policy he had been associated with helped bring an end to repeated street protests by teachers, while the introduction of the New Pay Structure ensured more decent salaries for teachers.
However, he acknowledged that challenges remained, particularly concerning senior teachers and financial assistance for newly established schools.
Drawing on his two decades of experience at NEHU, Nonglait also spoke about Meghalaya’s long wait for a medical college after attaining statehood. As head of NEHU’s College Development Council, he pointed out that the state went without a medical college for decades until NEIGRIHMS came under the NEHU framework, followed more recently by permission for Shillong Medical College to begin operations.
Nonglait sought to present his candidacy as an extension of his long association with education, rural communities and institutional development, while stressing that his own journey—from a farmer’s family and a modest government job to academia—kept him connected to the aspirations and struggles of ordinary people.
