Shillong, November 22 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the newly constructed Caring for India (CFI) Centre at Nonglum, Umroi, in Ri-Bhoi District, marking a milestone in community leadership and faith-based empowerment. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, MIDC Chairman James K. Sangma, and several dignitaries.
The CFI Centre has been envisioned as a hub to empower leaders, foster holistic community development, and strengthen faith-based initiatives aimed at transforming lives through capacity-building and collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma lauded the vision behind establishing the CFI Centre, describing it as a platform that embodies the values of service, leadership, and moral guidance.
Reflecting on his late father’s teachings, he said, “Purpose in public life must start with the objective of serving the people — not for a position, not for personal or monetary gains.” He commended the organisers for creating a space dedicated to building responsible leadership rooted in compassion and purpose.
Acknowledging CFI’s nursing college initiative, the Chief Minister assured full government support for its proposed expansion. “The government will ensure that the land required for the new infrastructure is provided,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the state’s achievements in facilitating overseas opportunities for nurses, he said, “In the past year, 37 nurses have gone to Japan, around 30 to Singapore, and the first batch will soon leave for Germany.”
He explained that through job fairs, language training, and comprehensive support systems, the government has successfully connected Meghalaya’s skilled workforce with international opportunities. “These nurses are sending back about ₹1 lakh per person per month — that’s ₹4.8 crore annually from just 40 nurses,” he noted, adding that 2,000 more nurses are currently in the pipeline for overseas placements. He encouraged CFI to integrate language training into its curriculum, assuring that the government would collaborate with the institution to make it a reality.
The Chief Minister described the establishment of the Leadership Retreat Centre as “one of the greatest blessings that could be given to our people,” emphasizing its potential to train and unite Christian youth leaders across India.
He urged CFI to maintain an inclusive vision, stating, “We must not be closed; this should not just be a course but a platform that brings people together.”
Addressing health challenges, he highlighted the government’s MOTHER programme, which has led to a 50% reduction in Meghalaya’s maternal mortality rate since 2018. “We are now close to going below the national average, and the MOTHER programme is being adopted by other states,” he said.
Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare expressed gratitude to the CFI Trust for its dedication and vision, calling the new centre “a reflection of community strength and faith-driven progress.” He also thanked the people of Nonglum Village for their cooperation and unity in realizing the project.
Dr. Shaji Thomas, CFI Leader, shared the organisation’s inspiring journey, which began 27 years ago with a simple desire to serve. He recounted how a chance encounter with a young boy named Raju, working as a train cleaner, inspired the creation of Caring for India. He said the new centre emerged not from long-term planning, but from faith and the conviction that unused land could be transformed for the community’s benefit.
Earlier, P.J. Matthew, CFI Board Member, delivered the welcome address, describing the inauguration as “a promise of empowerment, opportunity, and meaningful development for the youth of Meghalaya.”
The event also featured cultural performances by students, which the Chief Minister described as “a wonderful showcase of the true culture and diversity of the Northeast.”
