Shillong, April 1: Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, today handed over Meghalaya IT Awards 2026 for meritorious students of the academic year 2025 at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong.
Organised by the Information Technology and Communications Department, Government of Meghalaya, the programme was also attended by Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister in-charge of Education. As part of the programme, laptops were distributed to the awardees by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister congratulated the students, stating, “First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of you. What you have achieved today is something that every student aspires to, but only a few are able to accomplish.” He said the occasion was to recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the students.
He acknowledged the efforts behind their success, noting, “All the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, the discipline, and the focus you maintained throughout your academic journey may have seemed difficult at the time. But today… every bit of that effort has been worthwhile. On behalf of the Government, we are extremely proud of your achievements.”
Referring to the laptops being distributed, he remarked, “This laptop… may appear to be a small token… however, it represents much more than its material value—it is a symbol of recognition, encouragement, and our belief in your potential.”
He emphasised that the programme is about recognising effort and celebrating success, adding, “In fact, I believe it is not you who should be applauding us, but we who should be applauding you.”
Highlighting the changing global landscape, he stated that the world is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements. Referring to recent developments, he said, “This morning, I came across reports of large-scale layoffs in the IT sector… While such developments may seem concerning, they also create new opportunities.” He noted that every technological shift brings disruption but also opens new avenues for innovation and growth.
Citing an example from the State, he pointed to the IT Park in Shillong, which is attracting companies working in advanced fields such as Artificial Intelligence and enterprise systems. He shared that technology developed by an engineer from Shillong is enabling faster migration of enterprise systems, significantly reducing timelines that previously took years. He underlined that such developments demonstrate how global opportunities can now be accessed from within the State.
Reflecting on his own journey, he said that after completing his studies, including at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he aspired to start a business but faced challenges due to the lack of an enabling ecosystem at the time. He stated that these experiences have shaped the Government’s efforts to build a stronger ecosystem today, focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development.
He further highlighted emerging opportunities across sectors, including technology, administrative services, sports, music, and clean energy. Referring to developments in sustainable energy, he noted that Meghalaya is producing ethanol and exploring ethanol-based alternatives, creating new avenues for innovation and enterprise.
Encouraging students to think about contributing to the State, he said that while many may pursue opportunities outside, there is immense potential within Meghalaya, and with the right ecosystem, more youth will choose to build their future in the State.
Sharing his advice, he said, “First, follow your passion… true success comes when you do what you genuinely believe in.” Illustrating this, he added, “Water boils at 100 degrees… that one extra degree—the final push—is what creates steam powerful enough to drive an engine.” He emphasised that this “extra degree” represents passion and determination.
He also stressed the importance of humility, stating, “Success should never get to your head… true success lies in staying grounded.” He encouraged students to value relationships and continue growing as individuals.
Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister in-charge of Education, emphasised the importance of academic excellence and the role of digital technologies in enhancing learning outcomes across the State. He underscored the centrality of technology in modern life, adding, “In today’s world, the digital space is no longer optional—it is a way of life. Whether we like it or not, we are all part of it.” He noted that the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to investing in the future of students and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Highlighting the significance of the awards, he said, “The laptops being distributed today are more than just devices—they are gateways to the digital world. They will empower you to learn, explore, and equip yourselves with the knowledge and skills required in the years to come.”
Referring to broader initiatives under the leadership of the Chief Minister, he stated that while scholarship schemes have benefited many, additional measures such as the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme have been introduced to expand support. He informed that over ₹60 crore has been allocated to provide financial assistance of ₹6,000 to students, reflecting the Government’s recognition of their efforts and aspirations.
He further highlighted the introduction of the Community Integrated Skills Learning programme, aimed at building skills from the elementary level up to Class 10, noting that early development of competencies is key to long-term success.
Speaking on the role of technology, he stated that with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace. He urged students to use technology wisely, cautioning that the digital space also presents distractions and challenges, and emphasised the importance of critical thinking and informed decision-making.
Expressing concern over declining participation in civil services, he said, “Since 2013, we have seen a decline in the number of youth from our state qualifying in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.” He encouraged students to aspire for excellence and serve the state and the nation with distinction.
Earlier, K. L. Nongbri, MCS, Joint Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Information Technology & Communications Department, delivered the welcome address and introductory remarks.
Providing background on the initiative, he informed that the Meghalaya IT Awards were instituted in 2007 to recognise academic excellence and to encourage, promote, and support students in the field of information technology through the distribution of laptops.
He stated that this year, a total of 203 meritorious students from Classes 10 and 12 are being honoured for their performance in the board examinations of the previous academic year. Of these, 131 students are from the MBOSE board, 51 from CBSE, and 21 from ICSE. He also highlighted that two specially-abled students are among the awardees being recognised.
Encouraging the students, he said that the laptops being distributed are not only a recognition of their hard work but also a tool for digital empowerment, urging them to make the best use of the opportunity and continue striving for excellence.
Leisha Agarwal from St Margaret’s Higher Secondary School, the 2025 MBOSE Class 10 (SSLC) examination topper, addressed the gathering and expressed her gratitude to the Information Technology & Communications Department and the Government of Meghalaya for recognising her achievement. She stated that the award has come as an encouragement and an honour for her hard work and dedication.
