Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education celebrates silver jubilee
Shillong, April 22: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has called for a “shift of mindset” towards inclusive education in the society.
“The biggest change required in society is a change in mindset,” the Chief Minister said while attending the silver jubilee celebrations of the Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education at Danakgre, Tura.
Recalling that the college was a “pioneering institution,” Sangma said it was the first training centre for special education in the region.
He lauded the vision of setting up such an institution, which was inaugurated by his late father and former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma, at a time when trained special educators were virtually absent in the Northeast.
Calling for the change in mindset in the society, he emphasised that persons with disabilities must be treated with dignity and equality, irrespective of their physical or economic conditions.
Highlighting the government’s welfare approach, Sangma spoke about the MOTHERS programme—an integrated initiative focusing on health, education, rural development and social welfare—placing women, particularly mothers, at the centre of grassroots transformation. He also acknowledged the long-standing role of faith-based institutions in delivering holistic community services.
The event was attended by Bishop Andrew R Marak, along with Rev Bro Dr Maria Soosai and Rev Bro Dr VK George.
The Montfort Centre for Education was founded through the efforts of Bro John Baptist in 1985, later expanding into a full-fledged hub for inclusive education.
The teacher training college, established in 1999, has since trained over 600 special educators, with courses recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Today, the institution integrates more than 200 children with disabilities into mainstream schooling alongside over 1,000 students, while also running dedicated facilities for children with visual, hearing and intellectual impairments.
Special awards bestowed on the college include the National Award for Best Inclusive Educational Practices in 2018 and the Meghalaya Day Award in 2020.
Sangma called for greater collaboration between government and institutions, noting that while approaches may differ, “the destination remains the same”—ensuring equitable opportunities and inclusive development for all.
