Tura, April 21 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education at Danakgre, Tura, marking 25 years of service in advancing inclusive education in the Northeast.
The programme was attended by Bishop Andrew R. Marak, Rev. Bro. Dr. Maria Soosai, and Rev. Bro. Dr. V. K. George, along with other dignitaries. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by cultural performances including prayer dance, thematic dance, Garo cultural dance, and Wangala dance presented by trainees.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the historic importance of the institution, recalling that it was inaugurated 25 years ago by the late P. A. Sangma. He noted that Montfort was the first training institute for special education in the Northeast at a time when no such facility existed in the region.
He praised the institution’s pioneering role, stating that starting such an initiative back then was both challenging and visionary. Despite the emergence of similar institutions over time, he said Montfort continues to remain one of the leading centres for special education in the region.
Emphasising the need for a shift in societal attitudes, Sangma said that changing mindsets is crucial to ensuring dignity and equality for all. He stressed that individuals should not be judged or treated differently based on physical or economic conditions.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the Government’s MOTHERS programme—Meghalaya Outcome Transformation in Health, Education, Rural Development, and Social Welfare—highlighting its focus on integrating key sectors with mothers playing a central role in grassroots transformation.
Calling for collaboration between the government and institutions, he noted that while approaches may differ, the ultimate goal remains the welfare of the people.
The Montfort Centre for Education, established in 1985, has grown into a major institution for inclusive education. The Teacher Training College, set up in 1999, has trained over 600 special education teachers across the Northeast.
Currently, the Centre integrates over 200 children with disabilities into mainstream schooling alongside more than 1,000 students, while also running specialised schools and residential facilities for children with special needs.
The institution has received several recognitions, including the National Award for Best Inclusive Educational Practices in 2018 and the Meghalaya Day Award in 2020.
The programme concluded with the presentation of mementoes and the National Anthem performed in Indian Sign Language, reflecting the institution’s commitment to inclusivity.
