Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 4/25

MEGHALAYA GAMES CURTAIN RAISER

The curtain raiser for the 6th Meghalaya Games 2025 was held today at the District Auditorium Jowai. Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, the event featured the launch of the logo for the 6th Meghalaya Games by Shri Shakliar Warjri, Honble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs. It also introduced the video and theme song "Niom Beit Naphang" and the official mascot "U Kiang," symbolizing the life of freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah. The mascot is inspired by the clouded leopard, the official state animal of Meghalaya.

The 6th Meghalaya Games, scheduled from January 20 to January 25, 2025, will feature 25 sporting disciplines and 4 demonstration sports with 3500 participants and 500 technical officials competing for approximately 1600 medals. Events will be held across various locations in Jowai and other areas in West Jaintia Hills. Of the 29 events, Swimming and Golf will take place in Shillong.

Speaking at the curtain raiser, Shri Shakliar Warjri highlighted the importance of holding the Meghalaya Games annually to support youth and athletes. He emphasized that the Games provide a platform for young talent while also utilizing existing infrastructure in schools and colleges for broader community benefits.

Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, MLA of Jowai and Chairman of MUDA, stated that the Games have revitalized West Jaintia Hills District and serve as a stepping stone for athletes to achieve success at the national level. He encouraged residents to act as ambassadors as participants from across the state converge in Jowai.

Shri John F. Kharshiing, Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, thanked Shri Conrad K Sangma, Honble Chief Minister, and Shri Shakliar Warjri for their support in advancing sports. He urged participants to compete with passion and called on citizens to make the Games a celebration of unity and inspiration.

The curtain raiser marked the beginning of the countdown to the Games, generating anticipation and excitement across the state.

Dignitaries present included Shri Shakliar Warjri, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Shri B. S. Sohliya (Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills), Shri John F. Kharshiing, Smti Matsiewdor War Nongbri (Vice President, MSOA), Shri Finely Pariat (General Secretary, MSOA), and other officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs and MSOA.

Press Release No. 5/25

MEGHALAYA LAUNCHES ITS FIRST STATE OWNED UNIVERSITY

In a landmark achievement for Meghalaya, the state launched its first state-owned university, Captain Williamson Sangma State University, marking a significant step forward in its educational and developmental journey. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma formally launched the university on Monday at Balalgre, South West Garo Hills, in the presence of key dignitaries, including Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Speaker TD Shira, Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal. The university, named after Meghalayas founding Chief Minister Captain Williamson A Sangma, reflects his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to education as a transformative force. With this milestone, Meghalaya addresses a long-standing aspiration, creating a hub for higher learning and innovation to empower the states youth.

The establishment of this university also provides an alternative to the Common University Entrance Test CUET by enabling colleges within Meghalaya to affiliate with a state-owned institution rather than North Eastern Hill University NEHU. The foundation for Captain Williamson Sangma State University was laid in 2011 with the enactment of the Captain Williamson Sangma State Technical University Act, 2011. Civil construction began in 2019 on 30 acres of land generously gifted by the Nokma and Chra-Mahari of Samingre in February 2016. Completed in December 2022, the universitys facilities include administrative and academic buildings, hostels, and activity blocks. Funded by a Special Plan Assistance SPA of 16.96 crores, the university is set to offer postgraduate programs, skill-based courses, diploma and certificate programs, with an initial intake of 30 students per course. It aims to foster academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development among students.

During the inauguration, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the significance of this milestone: "Today is a red-letter day for Meghalaya and a testament to our governments commitment to prioritizing education. This university is the first step toward a brighter future for our youth, providing access to quality education and skill development. With determination and collective effort, we will build this university into a shining example for the state, the Northeast, and the nation." Education Minister Rakkam Sangma called the university a "gift to the people of Meghalaya" and a cornerstone for future generations. Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar hailed the university as a "dream realized," while Speaker Thomas Sangma described it as a "beacon of knowledge, innovation, and progress." Vice Chancellor Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar outlined the universitys vision, emphasizing a holistic educational approach integrating academic rigor with skill development, innovation, and community engagement.

The Commissioner and Secretary of Education, Vijay Kumar Mantri IAS, congratulated the people of the state on the historic establishment of its first state university. He credited the achievement to the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, noting proactive efforts to secure the universitys recognition in record time despite the typically lengthy process. He highlighted the growing interest among principals and educational institutions to affiliate with the new university and its potential to shape the future of education in Meghalaya.

Recognized under Section 2f of the UGC Act, 1956, Captain Williamson Sangma State University opens new possibilities for colleges in Meghalaya. The launch event included the formal submission of affiliation applications from various colleges, including Williamnagar College, Captain Williamson Sangma College, Rongjeng Model Degree College, Ampati Degree College, PA Sangma Abong Noga College, Mason Philips Academy, Mirriam Rural Womens College, and Tura Christian College. Chief Minister Sangma also assured that the Shillong campus of the university would commence soon, further enhancing accessibility to higher education across the state.

Others present at the event included MLAs Sanjay A Sangma, Ian Botham K Sangma, Subir Marak, Sengchim Marak, Jim Sangma, Limison Sangma, Marthon Sangma, Vice Chancellor Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, CEM of GHADC Albinus Marak, Deputy CEM Nikman Marak, Nokmas, church and other religious leaders, family members of Captain Williamson Sangma, academicians, and other dignitaries.

The launch of Captain Williamson Sangma State University marks the dawn of a transformative era for Meghalaya. By prioritizing education and skill development, the state is paving the way for sustainable growth and empowerment, ensuring its youth are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This achievement represents a new chapter in the state's educational landscape, promising enhanced opportunities and progress.