SHILLONG, Nov 19: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the Ramakrishna Mission College, Sohra, marking the establishment of the first Ramakrishna Mission college in the entire North-East region. In his address, the chief minister underscored that the most meaningful investment any government can make is in the development of its people.
“The greatest investment any society can make is in human capital,” he said, adding that infrastructure such as roads and buildings holds little significance unless human development progresses alongside.
The newly inaugurated college will initially offer Arts and Science streams, with a mission to provide accessible, affordable and value-based higher education to students from Sohra and surrounding rural areas.
Sangma acknowledged long-standing structural issues in Meghalaya’s education system, noting that despite the state spending 15% of its annual budget—₹3,600 crore—on education, systemic challenges have persisted over decades. He informed that the government has begun rationalising schools and is working toward a dedicated framework to support ad-hoc and SSA teachers, aimed at improving stability and consistency in the system.
He urged teachers, managing committees and stakeholders to prioritise students in every decision. “The future of education in Meghalaya depends on our collective commitment to doing what is best for the child,” he said.
The chief minister assured full government support to the Ramakrishna Mission, announcing that electricity connections will be provided to all schools—government, private, deficit and ad-hoc—on a mission mode. He also pledged to address road connectivity challenges faced by educational institutions in a phased manner.
Encouraging students to embrace hard work, discipline, gratitude and purpose, he highlighted these as central to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and foundational to the Mission’s educational philosophy.
Delivering his address, Swami Achyuteshananda, Trustee of Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Belur Math, described the inauguration as a “historic moment for the North-East,” noting that history remembers the first institution of its kind. He praised the Meghalaya Government for its commitment to strengthening education in rural and hilly regions.
He said the new college would help reduce educational distance, economic burdens and dropout rates, while fostering responsible citizens rooted in values of service, simplicity and strength. The Mission also plans to expand its contribution to Meghalaya through academic collaborations, teacher training programmes and initiatives aligned with youth aspirations.
The inaugural programme also featured an impressive Play Day performance by students from Ramakrishna Mission institutions across Meghalaya, showcasing coordinated drills, yoga, rhythmic exercises and traditional formations—reflecting the Mission’s focus on holistic education and character-building.
The ceremony included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and cultural presentations. The event was attended by senior monks of the Mission, including Swami Achyuteshananda and Swami Anuragananda, as well as MLAs Balajied Kupar Synrem (Shella) and Gavin Miguel Mylliem (Sohra), alongside community members.
The establishment of Ramakrishna Mission College in Sohra marks a significant milestone in expanding higher education opportunities in Meghalaya’s hill regions.
