Tura: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasised the importance of encouraging young minds to provide innovative solutions to societal problems using science and technology.
Speaking at the National Science Day 2025 celebrations and the inauguration of the Digital Planetarium at NEHU campus in Tura on Saturday, the chief minister challenged the youth to tackle issues through creative ideas that could benefit society.
“Pose a challenge to our youth to come up with solutions to different problems,” Sangma said, highlighting that such challenges would inspire young individuals to think critically and find ideas that would have a positive impact on communities.
Citing an example related to irrigation, he explained how young people could offer solutions that could help farmers, such as solar-powered or sensor-based systems.
Sangma stressed the need for support at various levels, from school to university, to nurture scientific and mathematical talent.
He suggested that science and math competitions with increased prize money could motivate students to excel in these fields.
“If a young mind develops an idea that could benefit society, the government should support it,” he said, advocating for funding and prototype development to bring innovative ideas to life.
The chief minister also highlighted the state government’s commitment to investing in youth development to prepare them for the future.
“India is a young nation, and Meghalaya is even younger,” Sangma pointed out, noting that the majority of the state’s population is under the age of 20.
He emphasised that the government is focused on channelling the energy of the youth into productive avenues, particularly in areas such as sports, music, and communication.
Sangma revealed that the government has been investing in various youth-focused initiatives, including sports and music programs, to tap into the potential of the younger generation.
He also mentioned the state’s push to introduce more science streams and multi-disciplinary courses in government colleges and higher secondary schools, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).
“Our vision is to have innovative minds lead the state in the future,” he added.
Sangma also noted that children in Meghalaya have a natural inclination towards music.
ASLO READ: Meghalaya: VPP suspends MLA, 4 others over anti-party activities
He cited the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP), which has supported over 3,000 artists and disbursed more than Rs 18 crore in the last three years, helping young musicians showcase their talents and earn a livelihood.
During the programme, Sangma interacted with participants who displayed models offering solutions to traffic congestion, solar-powered flood alarms, solutions for ambulances navigating elevated roads, and signals for narrow turns.
The event concluded with the inauguration of the newly constructed Digital Planetarium at NEHU Tura campus, in the presence of Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and other dignitaries.
