Sitharaman concludes 4-day visit to M’laya

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday concluded her four-day visit to Meghalaya, during which she promised the people of this northeastern state of continued support from the central government. On her concluding of her visit, the Finance Minister visited the historic Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra.
During her visit, the Minister paid floral tributes at the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda.
She was shown the Mission’s vocational training facilities, where around 100 women are being trained in weaving free of cost.
Swami Anuragananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Sohra, shared that the Minister has long been familiar with the institution’s work.
“Being one of the oldest centres in the Northeast, she was eager to learn about the history, growth, and current challenges of the Mission, as well as the various activities it undertakes,” he said.
Sitharaman also inquired about the many distinguished alumni of the institution.
Anuragananda recalled her interest in legendary figures such as B.B. Lyngdoh, former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a pioneer of coalition politics in India; Prof. George Gilbert Swell, former Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha and Ambassador to Norway and Burma, Dr. Donkupar Roy, former Chief Minister and Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and other prominent leaders, bureaucrats, and technocrats who were shaped by the Mission’s values.
“We also gave her an overview of our work in healthcare, education, community relief among other activities,” Anuragananda said, adding that the Finance Minister expressed a keen interest in meeting the women entrepreneurs and was deeply moved by the empowerment initiatives on the campus.
The Finance Minister was shown the Mission’s vocational training facilities, where around 100 women are being trained in weaving free of cost.
Several dignitaries were present including the school’s President Theilin Phanbuh, recipient of the Padma Shri in 2006 for her work in women’s upliftment welcomed the Finance Minister.
It may be noted that the Ramakrishna Mission School, Sohra, has recently completed 100 years of dedicated service in the region.
Sitharaman planted a sapling on the campus towards the end of her visit.
Also present were former teachers and staff, including Lolin Lyndem, one of the school’s oldest alumni at age 90 who had served both as a student and a teacher.
The school community, including students and faculty, among other dignitaries were present to grace the special occasion.