Tura, March 29: Encouraging the youth of the state to harness science and technology, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday urged them to leverage science and technology to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
The chief minister made this crucial suggestion on Saturday while addressing students from various schools and colleges in Tura during the celebration of the National Science Day 2025 and the inauguration of the Digital Planetarium at NEHU’s Tura campus.
“We must pose challenges to our youth and encourage them to find solutions to different problems,” said the chief minister as he highlighted the potential of young innovators, citing irrigation as an example: “If students study such issues, they may devise sensor-based or solar-powered solutions that could greatly benefit our farmers.”
The chief minister stressed the need for structured support, suggesting increased prize money for science and mathematics competitions at school and university levels to motivate students. “If a young mind develops a beneficial idea, the government should support it—whether through funding or prototype development,” he added.
With Meghalaya’s majority population under 20 years of age, the Chief Minister outlined the government’s strategic investments in youth-centric initiatives. “India is a young nation, and Meghalaya is even younger. We must channelize this demographic dividend through systematic interventions in education, sports, and the arts,” he said.
Under the National Education Policy (NEP) mandate, the state will introduce science streams and multidisciplinary courses in all government colleges and higher secondary schools. “Our vision is to cultivate innovative minds that will lead Meghalaya forward,” he asserted.
Recognizing the natural musical inclination of Meghalaya’s youth, CM Sangma highlighted the success of the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP), which has supported over 3,000 artists and disbursed ₹18 crore in funds over three years. “Initiatives like MGMP empower young musicians to showcase their talent and earn livelihoods,” he said.
During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with students displaying innovative models, including solar-powered flood alarms, traffic management systems, and solutions for emergency vehicles on elevated roads. Later, he inaugurated the state-of-the-art Digital Planetarium at NEHU Tura in the presence of Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and other dignitaries.
