Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 214/15

FIRST DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL IN MEGHALAYA OPENS

Shillong, April 22, 2015: The newly opened Delhi Public School (DPS) at Khanapara, the first in the State of Meghalaya, was inaugurated today by the Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma in the presence of Urban Affairs Minister, M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chairperson, Meghalaya Resource Mobilization & Employment Generation Council, Dikkanchi D. Shira, Pro-Vice Chancellor, DPS, Ram Avtar Agarwal, Principal, Malvika Bhatt, Board members, academicians, teachers, parents and the people of the area.

The School, which is set in a 30 acre sprawling campus, aims to impart value based education to produce well rounded and well groomed students ready to take on the world. With CBSE curriculum, it also aims to be a school with a difference where learning will be beyond the classroom. The school is equipped with four laboratories from the primary level and a swimming pool would also cater to different extracurricular, sports and games and vocational linked activities. The classrooms being fully digital and smart classes would also reduce usage of paper thereby contributing to environment protection and conservation.

In his inaugural address as the chief guest, Dr. Sangma said that the opening of this school will generate hope for parents who have been waiting for such an opportunity. However, he felt that this school would mostly benefit the residents of Guwahati, being closer to Khanapara, but not for Shillong or Tura, so he expressed his hope to see another DPS coming up in the vicinity of Shillong sometime soon.

Expressing his confidence that the school will set a benchmark for other schools in the region, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that the State Government was looking at those sectors that could be best taken up in this part of the State. He urged upon the corporate houses to look at further investment on social sectors like education and health revolving around Green Economy which according to him would open up huge opportunities for students who are compelled to go outside in pursuit of their career. “Meghalaya Government will support and facilitate any investment in health and education that can become a game changer in the socio-economic uplift of the State.”

Informing the gathering about the Mission Organic launched by the State Government, the Chief Minister also hoped that the food served to the children in the school would be sourced from the farms in the district that grow organic products so that the children get the right kind of food and also urged upon the school management to look at how they can attract parents from other parts of the country and the world to come to Meghalaya.

Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh in her brief address as the guest of honour, expressed hope that DPS Khanapara would do Meghalaya proud and that “our children will be in trustworthy and reliable hands”. She also said that the school should not only for the elite but should also be able to nurture the hopes of the less privileged children living in the neighbourhood.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were the Mentor of the School, Lata Vaidyanathan, Pro-Vice Chancellor Ram Avtar Agarwal and the Principal of the School, Malvika Bhatt. The inaugural function was also marked by colourful cultural programme of songs and dances.