TURA, December 30:Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma today laid the foundation stone for establishment of Pinemount International School at Misimagre village under Rongram C&RD block, near Tura, setting a milestone in the State’s education sector.
The Internatio
nal School, which will be the first of its kind in the State, is being set up with an objective to provide the best education to the children in the region. The system would be such that, whoever takes admission in this school would be sent abroad to study, while students from outside would in turn come here for their studies. The land for this ambitious project has been donated by the Nokma of Manda-Chambugong A’king of Misimagre village.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that the government had already given the sanction for three such schools in the state—one each in Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills. But, only in Garo Hills land has been acquired for the purpose, and hence they had gone ahead with the process of laying the foundation stone, he added.
Stressing the need to keep alive the reputation that Meghalaya earned as the “centre of education”, Dr. Sangma said that this school would offer international courses, adding that, it is mostly those students who study in this category of school invariably gets better opportunities to pursue their higher studies abroad. He also urged the Education department as well as the people of Selbalgre-Misimagre to form an academic society and open “feeder” schools to prepare the students right from kindergarten stage to get admission in one of these three schools in the State.
He also expressed hope that with the opening of the school in a scenic and healthy environment like this, education in itself would generate opportunities to promote tourism in the region.
The local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Ismail R. Marak in his brief address, expressed his gratitude to the people of the area for parting with their land for the benefit of their children’s education.
Commissioner and Secretary, Education, Mrs. L.R. Sangma, who presided over the function, informed the gathering that a Society has already been registered in the month of November last, for establishment of this school.
Others who were also present during the foundation laying ceremony, included former MLA of Tura, Mr. Billykid A. Sangma, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Mr. Pravin Bakshi, Director of School Education & Literacy, Mr. J. D. Sangma and Addl. Director of School Education & Literacy (E,W&S) Garo Hills Mrs. C.W. Momin, the Nokmas and residents of Misimagre and surrounding villages.(SP News)
