CM Sangma fulfils promise to Pine Mount students

Shillong, July 2: Almost three years after students of Pine Mount School raised concerns about leaky roofs, damaged flooring, and a hazardous hostel environment, Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma was back on campus this Wednesday to mark the completion of their long-awaited home away from home. The CM inaugurated the newly built hostel on the school’s grounds, stating the project’s roots traced back to his conversations with students during a visit to the school in October 2022.

“When I had visited the school in 2022, I had a dialogue with the students and understood their struggles firsthand. The condition of the hostel was quite inconvenient, to say the least; it even impacted their overall wellbeing and learning” Sangma recollected. He recalled the moment he had pledged to get the hostel renovated when he heard the students’ stories then and was heartened to meet some of those same students on Wednesday as they settled into their new, safe, and modern accommodation. “It shows that sometimes a simple conversation can indeed result in great change. I am glad that our conversation back in 2022 has resulted in new beginnings for these young students” he added.

The new structure, equipped with facilities for improved living, now replaces the decades-old structure which had been an issue for resident students.

Alongside the hostel, CM Sangma also launched ‘She Thrives,’ a sanitary pad vending machine initiative. The initiative aims to support girls by promoting menstrual hygiene, and will be expanded across Meghalaya. “This is not simply about dispensing sanitary pads; it’s about evolving the mindsets and creating an environment where our young girls can feel confident, empowered, and not constrained by obstacles that are solvable” CM informed.

During his address to the students, Sangma also spoke frankly on employment, recognizing that the government cannot accommodate everyone entering the job market. He motivated young minds to pursue entrepreneurship, innovation, and private ventures. He informed the students that the government is investing in sectors such as tourism, IT, agriculture, and food processing to generate new employment opportunities.

“It’s important to recognize opportunities around you, understand problems in our societies and contribute to finding solutions; this is what leads to genuine progress,” he advised.

Stressing on education as one of the state’s highest priorities, CM said that development begins with people. “Change may take time, but the most crucial thing is that we take action as and when we see a need. Every small step we take adds up, and when we listen, respond, and work consistently, we will see significant transformation.”

Also Read: Lifestyle diseases, substance abuse top health concerns in Meghalaya: Survey

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