The college derives its name from Purno Agitok Sangma and Abong Noga, who is revered in A·chik history for guiding early settlement of the Garo Hills region.
Tura, May 22: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday inaugurated a conference hall of PASF-Abong Noga College and laid the foundation stone for a new building of the college at New Tura.
The college building project is funded by Dorf Ketal Chemicals India Ltd following an MoU signed between PA Sangma Foundation, Dorf Ketal Chemicals India Ltd, and Ira Gurukul Educational Trust last year.
Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister recalled that the dream of establishing a higher secondary school and college was first envisioned by the late Purno Agitok Sangma.
“Education was always a top priority for late PA Sangma,” the Chief Minister said.
“He began his career as a teacher, and throughout his life, the spirit of teaching remained deeply reflected in the way he carried himself in every role he undertook — whether as a journalist, lawyer, Member of Parliament, Chief Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or President of the National People’s Party.”
The Chief Minister noted that despite challenges such as limited resources and support during the early years of the institution, the vision for the college remained strong and unwavering.
“Today, on this momentous occasion, we dedicate this college and the new building to the memory and vision of late PA Sangma,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Subodh Menon, chairman Rudin Menon, and the entire Dorf Ketal family for supporting the institution through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s development trajectory, the Chief Minister stated that the State is currently among the fastest-growing economies in the country.
“Recent figures released just a few days ago show that Meghalaya is now the third fastest-growing economy in India, with nominal GSDP growth exceeding 15 percent,” he said.
However, he stressed that economic growth alone cannot define true progress.
“Development becomes meaningful only when it positively impacts every citizen. Real growth is holistic growth,” he said, adding that the Government continues to invest heavily in education, youth, women, and farmers to ensure inclusive development.
The Chief Minister informed that nearly 13 percent of Meghalaya’s State budget is spent on education alone and noted that while Meghalaya has one of the largest educational networks in the Northeast, improving the quality of education remains a major challenge. “The issue before us is no longer merely one of quantity, but of quality,” he stated.
He elaborated on the complexities within Meghalaya’s education system, including the existence of different categories of schools operating simultaneously with overlapping infrastructure and staffing patterns.
He said the Government has spent the last eight years working to rationalise and reform the education sector in a careful and balanced manner.
“This transformation cannot happen overnight, but I can confidently say that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
The Chief Minister called upon PASF-Abong Noga College to emerge as a leading institution in the region.
“I would like to see this institution emerge in the years ahead as one of the premier educational institutions not only in Garo Hills or Meghalaya, but across the Northeast region. That would be the true tribute to late PA Sangma and the fulfilment of his dream,” he stated.
He emphasised that infrastructure alone cannot determine success and stressed the need to focus on educational outcomes.
“Constructing a college building is not successful unless it transforms the quality of education and shapes the future of students. That must remain our ultimate goal,” he said.
The Chief Minister further highlighted Meghalaya’s demographic profile, noting that more than half of the State’s population is below the age of 20 and nearly 75 percent is below the age of 30.
He said this demographic reality requires long-term planning for schools, colleges, employment, and opportunities for youth.
He also informed that the Government recently implemented a structured pay system for nearly 23,000 SSA and ad hoc teachers, addressing a long-pending demand of nearly two decades.
The initiative involves an annual financial commitment of nearly Rs 800 crore by the State Government.
“Teachers must have stability and dignity if meaningful education reforms are to succeed,” he said.
The Chief Minister also recalled the early struggles faced in sustaining the institution.
“I remember personally contributing whatever little resources I had to support salaries and keep the institution functioning. Who would have imagined then that one day this college would receive Rs 8 crore for a new building?” he remarked.
“This reminds us that no dream is impossible. With commitment, faith, perseverance, and hard work, every dream can become reality,” he added.
Addressing students directly, the Chief Minister encouraged them to believe in themselves and work with sincerity and dedication.
“You are not only the future; you are also the present of our state,” he said.
“Whether or not you become a Chief Minister, Minister, or public leader, what matters most is that you serve with sincerity, passion, and dedication in whatever role life gives you.”
The Chief Minister concluded by extending his best wishes to PASF-Abong Noga College, PASF Higher Secondary School, and the entire Dorf Ketal family, while thanking all stakeholders for their contribution towards strengthening education in the region.
Earlier, the event commenced with a traditional Wangala dance performance, followed by a welcome address from the college Principal. Dr JD Sangma, General Secretary, presented a brief report outlining the institution’s journey, achievements, and future vision.
PASF-Abong Noga College commenced its academic activities during the 2022 academic session as a degree college at New Tura under the aegis of the PA Sangma Foundation.
The college obtained affiliation from North-Eastern Hill University with effect from the academic session 2023 and was recognised as a People’s College under the Grant-in-Aid scheme of the Government of Meghalaya on December 12, 2022.
The college derives its name from two prominent figures of the A·chik community — late Purno Agitok Sangma and the legendary Abong Noga, who is revered in A·chik history for guiding the early settlement of the Garo Hills region.
The institution reflects a vision of preserving cultural heritage while promoting academic excellence and community development.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Danny Ch Marak, Executive Member.
The programme was also attended by Soradini K Sangma, president of PA Sangma Foundation; Agatha K Sangma, former Lok Sabha MP & adviser, PASF – Abong Noga College; Dr Nagesh Tekale, president, Navdrushti (NGO); Santosh Jagdhane, head-CSR, Dorf Ketal Chemicals India Ltd.; Vijay Nair, Ira Gurukul Educational Trust, among others.
