Shillong, Oct 26: Investing in youth is investing in the future. The man from Garo Hills- Purno Agitok Sangma held an unshakable belief: a society that invests in its youth is a society poised for boundless growth. This guiding principle shaped his career and inspired those around him, including his son, Conrad K Sangma, who now serves as Chief Minister of Meghalaya.
This legacy was celebrated in a way that would make Sangma proud. The University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), welcomed a momentous approval from the National Medical Commission for the P.A. Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC). It was not just opening of a medical institution but a symbol of Sangma’s lifelong commitment to uplift his community. In attendance today was Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Minister, Health & Family Welfare Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister, Power, A T Mondal, Balajied Kupar Synrem, MLA, Shella, Soradini K Sangma, wife of Late P A Sangma and mother of Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma and Chancellor, USTM, Mahbubul Hoque.
Reflecting on this journey, Conrad shared with the audience how deeply his father believed that government support for youth empowerment was vital. “The greatest investment a government can make is in its youth, because the returns are unlimited,” he echoed his father’s wisdom, expressing gratitude to leaders like former Health Minister J.P. Nadda for supporting this endeavor.
He recalled 2008, when he first became involved with USTM as the university was merely an idea, envisioned to promote the holistic growth of Meghalaya’s youth. “I was a part of the process in 2008 when the USTM Bill was passed and the present USTM is a testimony of team work, values and leadership,” he said.
Today, that vision has flourished, evolving into a beacon of learning and health, driven by the values of teamwork, dedication, and leadership.
“Lives of people like P A Sangma and Dr Don Kupar Roy can inspire younger generations and it is important that the youth today not only remember their legacy but learn from their humble beginnings and their humility and the values and the principles these leaders stood for,” he said.
Conrad reminded the audience that it is essential for today’s youth to remember not only Sangma’s achievements but also the values he held dear: humility, resilience, and the willingness to serve others.
While challenges in the health sector persist in Meghalaya, Conrad affirmed his government’s commitment to prioritizing health and education. He pointed out that the state’s budget allocation to healthcare is among the highest in India, and this is just the beginning. With ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance healthcare services, and expand resources and training for healthcare professionals, the state’s progress continues to reflect the enduring values his father championed.
Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque of USTM also announced a new milestone: a dental college would soon be established in memory of another esteemed leader, Dr. Donkupar Roy, a beloved former Chief Minister whose legacy resonates with the same dedication to service as Sangma’s.
