Shillong, April 10: Shillong Polytechnic on 10 April 2026 inaugurated its Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the theme “Vocationalising the Future,” The programme was graced by Commissioner and Secretary of the Education Department Vijay Kumar Mantri IAS as the chief guest and Director Higher & Technical Education H.D.B. Sangma MCS as Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering , Vijay Kumar Mantri highlighted the significance of vocational and technical education, noting that only a small fraction of students opt for the polytechnic route despite thousands completing their secondary education annually. He described the choice as both rare and forward-looking, asserting that skill-based education will play a defining role in the future.
He pointed out that education systems are gradually shifting towards practical learning, in line with reforms introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education. Emphasising employability, he said industries increasingly value skills and hands-on expertise over formal degrees.
The Commissioner also spoke about the state government’s initiative, Community Integrated Skill Learning (CISL), which seeks to integrate vocational training into the school curriculum from an early stage. The programme aims to universalise skill education and encourage students to gain practical knowledge, including learning from family-based occupations.
Calling for greater practical exposure, Mantri urged institutions to ensure that at least 50 percent of academic engagement is hands-on. He suggested that students should be involved in real-life projects and ongoing development works to build skills and enhance job readiness. He also stressed the need for stronger industry linkages, campus recruitment opportunities, and the expansion of polytechnic institutions in the state.
Director of Higher and Technical Education H.D.B Sangma, in her address, underscored the importance of aligning technical education with emerging challenges such as climate change and digital transformation. She encouraged the inclusion of practical projects such as sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and disaster-resilient construction in the curriculum.
She further highlighted the growing relevance of fields such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics, and stressed the need to equip students with these skills to improve employability. She also called for promoting environmentally sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting and waste management.
Expressing confidence in the institution’s legacy, she stated that Shillong Polytechnic, with its six decades of experience, has the potential to evolve into a centre of applied innovation and continue producing skilled, job-ready graduates.
Marking the commencement of the year-long Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Commissioner and Secretary, Education Department Vijay Kumar Mantri, along with Director of Higher and Technical Education H.D.B Sangma, unveiled the commemorative plaque and formally declared the Diamond Jubilee of Shillong Polytechnic open.
