Tura, April 21: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday underscored the need for a “mindset shift” towards inclusive education.
Glad to join the children to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Montfort Center For Education, Tura.
It was a joyful occasion filled with enthusiasm and talent, reflecting the spirit of learning and growth nurtured by the institution over the past 25 years. Wishing the Centre… pic.twitter.com/M1rzsqaN6i
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 21, 2026
He said this while attending the silver jubilee celebrations of the Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education in Danakgre.
Calling the college a “pioneering institution,” Sangma recalled that when it was established in 1999, it was the first training centre for special education in the region. He credited the vision behind its creation, inaugurated by his late father P. A. Sangma, at a time when trained special educators were virtually absent in the Northeast.
“The biggest change required in society is a change in mindset,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that persons with disabilities must be treated with dignity and equality, irrespective of their physical or economic conditions.
The event, held at the Montfort Centre for Education, was attended by Bishop Andrew R. Marak, along with Rev. Bro. Dr. Maria Soosai and Rev. Bro. Dr. V. K. George. Cultural performances, including Garo and Wangala dances by trainees, added colour to the celebration.
Highlighting the government’s welfare approach, Sangma spoke about the MOTHERS programme—an integrated initiative focusing on health, education, rural development and social welfare—placing women, particularly mothers, at the centre of grassroots transformation. He also acknowledged the long-standing role of faith-based institutions in delivering holistic community services.
Tracing its journey, the Montfort Centre for Education was founded through the efforts of Bro. John Baptist in 1985, later expanding into a full-fledged hub for inclusive education. The teacher training college, established in 1999, has since trained over 600 special educators, with courses recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Today, the institution integrates more than 200 children with disabilities into mainstream schooling alongside over 1,000 students, while also running dedicated facilities for children with visual, hearing and intellectual impairments.
Over the years, its work has earned national recognition, including the National Award for Best Inclusive Educational Practices in 2018 and the Meghalaya Day Award in 2020.
Sangma called for greater collaboration between government and institutions, noting that while approaches may differ, “the destination remains the same”—ensuring equitable opportunities and inclusive development for all.
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