Shillong, October 29 : The Silver Jubilee Celebration of St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla concluded on Friday with a vibrant closing ceremony graced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. The event marked 25 years of the institution’s service in education, alongside nearly 70 years since the founding of its lower primary section.
In his address, Chief Minister Sangma congratulated the school community for its 25 years of excellence in education, lauding its commitment to both academic and moral development. He reiterated the State Government’s initiative to support non-government schools in expanding their higher secondary sections. “Today we celebrate not just 25 years of the Higher Secondary School, but nearly 70 years since the founding of the LP section — a journey of faith, sacrifice, hard work, and commitment,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on inclusive education, the Chief Minister emphasized that improving infrastructure in rural and border areas like Pynursla remains a top priority. “We have prioritised education to be inclusive and to ensure equitable access for all,” he added.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, Sangma reflected on the importance of long-term investment in human development “If you want returns in one year, plant flowers. If you want returns in ten years, plant trees. But if you want returns for eternity, plant people.”
He acknowledged the Salesians of Don Bosco for their pioneering role in transforming education in Meghalaya and beyond, saying, “The Salesians have contributed to our state, our region, and our country like no other congregation.”
Underscoring the government’s commitment, Sangma informed that 15% of Meghalaya’s annual budget — ₹3,654 crore — is dedicated to the education sector, the highest among all departments. He noted that the state supports over 14,000 schools and 55,000 teachers, with nearly ₹1,000 crore spent annually on grants to private, adhoc, and deficit schools. “We are proud of this investment. Our education system has grown and evolved because of it, though challenges like dropout rates and low pass percentages remain,” he said.
Announcing new measures, the Chief Minister revealed that the government will provide financial assistance of ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore to selected non-government schools for upgrading their higher secondary infrastructure and introducing new academic streams. He assured that St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla, will be among the first beneficiaries of this initiative.
Sangma also shared a personal anecdote about his late father, P. A. Sangma, recalling how a modest ₹5 lakh contribution to a mission school years ago resulted in a two-storey building with 14 classrooms — a testament to the church’s efficiency and integrity. He extended heartfelt thanks to the Salesian fathers, school management, and staff — both past and present — for their enduring service to generations of students.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong commended the institution for its remarkable journey, describing the occasion as a “moment of pride and gratitude for the entire community.” He recalled that St. Anthony’s was the only higher secondary school in Pynursla around the year 2000. “We should all be proud of how far this institution has come,” he said.
The Silver Jubilee event featured hymns, choral performances, and cultural presentations by students. A felicitation ceremony honored the jubileans for their contributions during the school’s formative years, followed by messages of appreciation and a thanksgiving prayer led by the clergy.
The celebration was attended by Minister of Arts and Culture Sanbor Shullai, Grace Mary Kharpuri (MDC, Pynursla), and several community leaders, making it a fitting tribute to an institution that continues to shape young minds in the region.
