Tura, Feb 11: In a befitting tribute to the late Bishop George Mamalassary — the longest-serving Bishop of Tura who transformed education and healthcare across rural Garo Hills — Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the Bishop Mama Memorial School at Saltopgre village in the presence of Bishop Andrew R. Marak, Auxiliary Bishop Jose Chirackal, officials, teachers, students, and members of the local community.
The opening of the school in the rural area is expected to benefit hundreds of underprivileged children and reflects the lifelong mission of the late Bishop, who championed education and healthcare as the “core fundamentals” of humanity and progress. Lovingly known as Bishop Mama, he established dozens of schools and health dispensaries in some of the most neglected parts of Garo Hills. He was also instrumental in setting up the Holy Cross Hospital and nursing institute in Tura, among several other educational and healthcare institutions.
The inauguration programme commenced with a blessing by the two Bishops of the Tura Diocese — Rev. Andrew R. Marak and Rev. Jose Chirackal — who invoked guidance and success for the institution and its students.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the transformative role of education in shaping individuals and society. He commended the Church authorities, the school management, and the local community for their initiative and cooperation in establishing the institution, and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure across the state.
He stressed that education requires collective commitment. “Educating children is not only the responsibility of teachers but a collective and shared responsibility of teachers, society and most importantly of parents,” he stated.
Reflecting on the life of his late father, P. A. Sangma, the Chief Minister noted that Catholic missionaries had taken him from the small village of Chapahati and provided him with an education that shaped his future.
“It was this education that enabled him to become the Speaker of Parliament,” he said, underscoring the far-reaching impact of educational opportunity.
Describing P. A. Sangma as a strong advocate of education and discipline, he added, “We were also like other children, averse to homework and reluctant to go to school,” emphasising the importance of consistent guidance and support during a child’s formative years.
