Mawkyllei College marked its 15th Foundation Day with a grand celebration in the West Khasi Hills district, drawing prominent figures including Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who attended the event as the chief guest. The programme took place at the Dorbar Lyngdoh Nonglait Ground, with Mawthadraishan MLA Shakliar Warjri present as the Guest of Honour.
Special Grant and Infrastructure Commitments
During the celebrations, the Chief Minister announced that Rs 25 lakh would be granted to the college from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant, alongside an additional Rs 5 lakh specifically allocated for students to procure music and sports equipment. Furthermore, he committed to sanctioning Rs 3.5 Crore for the development of internal roads within Mawkyllei village.
Focus on Educational Reforms
Addressing the assembled gathering, Sangma underscored the vital role education plays in driving social change, affirming that it remains a top priority for the Meghalaya government. He detailed various reforms implemented since 2018, which include increased budgetary allocations, enhanced board examination results, improvements in the state's Performance Grading Index ranking, the establishment of new colleges and technical institutions, and extensive school building construction and renovation projects.
Expanding Rural Access and Academic Standards
While acknowledging the milestones achieved thus far, the Chief Minister noted that the education sector continues to face hurdles that demand collective effort. He explained that the administration is actively working to expand higher education accessibility in rural areas and supporting numerous schools and colleges. Additionally, he hinted at the formulation of a new policy aimed at backing high-performing institutions and offering students a wider array of educational choices. Sangma stressed that the college's upcoming phase of growth must concentrate on elevating academic standards, strengthening student mentoring, and preparing youth for higher studies, employment, and societal contribution.
Tributes to Founder Hopingstone Lyngdoh
The Chief Minister paid rich tributes to Late Hopingstone Lyngdoh, the founding member of Mawkyllei College, recognizing his immense contributions and remembering him as a prominent state leader. Sangma also recalled the close personal and political association shared between Lyngdoh and his own late father, P A Sangma.
Origins and Community Effort
Founded on June 6, 2011, Mawkyllei College was born out of a collaborative community initiative designed to ease the burdens faced by students completing Class XII who wished to pursue further studies. Previously, the prohibitive cost and difficulty of traveling to distant towns deterred many local youths from continuing their education. With the backing of community members and Late Hopingstone Lyngdoh, the institution was built close to home.
Growth and Future Outlook
Over the years, the institution has expanded steadily, now accommodating more than 150 students alongside a dedicated team of over 18 teaching and non-teaching staff members. By bringing higher education directly to Mawkyllei and surrounding areas, the college has eliminated the need for students to relocate. As it steps into its next chapter, the college aims to further strengthen its academic environment and broaden opportunities for the region's youth.
