Shillong, Jan 13: The Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad, has reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and nurturing exceptional young talent from Meghalaya through its groundbreaking Talent Identification Programme (TID). With plans to return to the state in October 2025 for the next round of selections, the initiative is poised to extend its impact, offering life-changing opportunities to more students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

This vision, however, extends beyond merely awarding scholarships. The program’s broader mission is to transform Meghalaya’s educational landscape, foster leadership, and inspire communities to value the long-term benefits of quality education.

A Holistic Vision for Meghalaya’s Education

Since its inception in 2022, the TID program has sought to address deep-seated challenges in Meghalaya’s education system. These include high dropout rates, limited access to quality education, and a lack of exposure to global opportunities.
Arjun Puri, Dean of Admissions at the Aga Khan Academy, elaborated on the transformative potential of the initiative:

“This isn’t just about selecting the best students; it’s about setting a benchmark for what students from Meghalaya can achieve. We aim to inspire communities to value education and see it as a path to sustainable development.”

The Academy’s efforts align with Meghalaya’s vision of improving educational outcomes across the state, particularly in rural and underprivileged regions. By nurturing leadership potential among selected students, the program hopes to create agents of change who will return to their communities and drive progress.

Building a Pipeline of Talent

With the TID program already making an impact, the planned October 2025 visit marks the next step in creating a sustainable pipeline of talent. The rigorous selection process—spanning multiple assessment stages—ensures that only the most deserving students are chosen. This approach not only identifies academic excellence but also considers qualities such as resilience, leadership, and a commitment to community.

Puri emphasized the importance of community involvement in sustaining the program:

“When families and communities actively support education, the ripple effect is tremendous. Students who leave their comfort zones and experience world-class education return with fresh perspectives and the ability to drive meaningful change.”

Stories of Transformation

The students who have already been selected under the program serve as living examples of its transformative impact. From small villages to the bustling corridors of an internationally renowned academy, these young scholars are rewriting their life stories.

Take the case of Kheinkor Marthong, a student from Mawrang Upper Primary School. Before the TID program, Kheinkor had limited access to resources and opportunities. Today, she is thriving in an environment that nurtures her talents and prepares her for global challenges. Similar success stories are emerging from students like John Kennedy Puwein and E-phrangdame G. Pariat, who now represent a new wave of hope for Meghalaya’s youth.

Expanding the Vision

Beyond scholarships, the Aga Khan Academy’s engagement with Meghalaya underscores the importance of strengthening educational infrastructure and policies. The Academy is working closely with government and government-aided schools to identify gaps and create pathways for students to achieve excellence.

Swapnil Tembe, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, emphasized the need to focus on long-term outcomes:

“Our goal is not just to send students to a world-class academy but to inspire a culture of excellence throughout the state. By empowering these students, we are empowering Meghalaya.”

Read: CM Conrad launches Meghalaya’s first state-owned university

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