Raphael Warjri

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday lauded the Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education for its pioneering contribution to inclusive education in the North East, while attending its Silver Jubilee celebrations at Danakgre in Tura.

The high-profile event was attended by Bishop Andrew R. Marak, Rev. Bro. Dr. Maria Soosai and Rev. Bro. Dr. V. K. George, among other dignitaries, and featured a series of cultural performances showcasing the rich Garo heritage.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks and rendition of the National Anthem in Indian Sign Language, symbolising the institution’s enduring commitment to inclusivity.

In his address, the Chief Minister recalled that the institution was inaugurated 25 years ago by P. A. Sangma, and underscored its trailblazing role as the first special education training institute in the region. He emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards persons with disabilities, asserting that dignity, equality and inclusion must remain central to development discourse.

Highlighting key government initiatives, Sangma elaborated on the MOTHERS programme, terming it a holistic and convergent approach to grassroots transformation, with mothers at the core of policy implementation. He further called for enhanced synergy between the government and faith-based institutions to achieve shared social objectives.

Earlier, speakers at the programme acknowledged the institution’s sustained contribution to capacity building and inclusive education. Established in 1999, the college has trained over 600 special educators and continues to be a frontrunner in the sector.