Shillong, Aug 25: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma on Friday said that the legacy of Shillong as a centre of education has to be restored.
Addressing the valedictory function of a two-day International Seminar on “Cross Border Connectivity & Inclusive Growth: Possibilities & Challenges with Special Reference to the North East Region” at Shillong College, the Chief Minister lauded Shillong College for contributing towards overall growth and prosperity of the state and Shillong in particular.
“Institutions are instruments for effective collaboration and partnership with the government for the overall growth and development,” he said.
Stating that education remains as the main instrument in bringing inclusive growth by empowering the people through knowledge, skill and wisdom, Sangma said, “the legacy of Shillong as a centre of education has to be restored. It is important for all concerned particularly the government to look at how education can be leveraged upon not just to provide quality education, but utilize education as an instrument for generating the right kind of opportunities and spaces for job seekers.”
The Chief Minister said that the seminar would also benefit the state and the region as it is relevant in the context of the North East.
“The country shares a long international border with other countries, and the challenge that the country is facing is that, the borders have not been effectively taken advantage of for the growth and prosperity of the region. This is one of the reasons that inspite of the potentialities in the midst of abundance, we have the challenges of creating opportunities”, he said.
He also said that international borders should become borders of prosperity.
Dr Sangma further said that Meghalaya should be positioned in such a way that the state has to take the lead role in promoting cross border connectivity.
“The issue of cross border connectivity requires more aggressive participation of all stakeholders. Such seminars should be collectively captured, documented and articulated so that it resonates at the highest levels,” he said.
The function also marked the closing of the year long Diamond Jubilee Celebration. The function was attended by Minister, Home H D R Lyngdoh and other dignitaries.
Earlier, the Chief Minister released the ISBN Publications and felicitated retired staff of Shillong College.
The seminar was inaugurated by Lok Sabha MP from Tura, Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday.
