Shillong, Nov 17: Over 400 students including differently abled and homeless children were felicitated at the 15th Meritorious Award held under the theme – ‘education is not preparation for life, education is life itself’.

Annually organized by the Raid Laban Sports, Social and Cultural Organization (RLSSCO) in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, the award ceremony was held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, State Central Library on Saturday.

Established in 1990, the organization was founded by South Shillong legislator Sanbor Shullai, who is also the government’s deputy chief whip.

With its motto being ‘service to God is service to man,’ the RLSSCO has been extending its services in the field of promoting education, sports and also providing financial assistance to the people, for the past many years.

The award was also presented meritorious students who have excelled in the different level of examinations – SSLC, HSSLC, CBSE, ICSE, ISC, Degree and University.

Of 425 students, 136 who have topped the different 2017 examinations were also presented with laptops.

Speaking to reporters, Shullai said that like every year, the award was also presented to as many as 23 differently abled students besides those coming from below poverty line (BPL) families.

“The award ceremony comprises of 30 categories of which one category is specially dedicated to school dropouts, who despite of unavoidable circumstances had to leave their education took the opportunity to continue with their studies,” he said.

Stating that the objective of the award is to encourage students to work hard, the MLA said, “It has really become a driving force for the students to study hard. This year the number of students getting the award has increased to 425 compared to last year which was only 327.”

He also informed Rs 1,000 for each student was also kept as fixed deposit in their respective bank account for two years in order that it will be of some financial assistance to them for their studies.

Earlier while addressing on the occasion as chief guest, Commissioner & Secretary of the State Legislative Assembly, Andrew Simons lauded the efforts taken by the organization to hold such event to recognize the achievements of the students from the constituency.