Meghalaya: FM Sitharaman visits Ramakrishna Mission School; Lauds women’s empowerment efforts

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SHILLONG: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her four-day visit to Meghalaya on Sunday with a stop at the historic Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra.

During the visit, Sitharaman paid floral tributes to the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda and toured the Mission’s vocational training centre, where about 100 women are being trained in weaving, free of cost.

Swami Anuragananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Sohra, said, “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.”

“She expressed a keen interest in meeting the women entrepreneurs and was deeply moved by the empowerment initiatives on the campus,” Swami Anuragananda added. “We also gave her an overview of our work in healthcare, education, community relief among other activities.”

The Minister also inquired about the institution’s alumni, expressing admiration for stalwarts such as former Chief Minister Bah B.B. Lyngdoh, parliamentarian Bah G.G. Swell, and former Assembly Speaker Bah Donkupar Roy—all shaped by the Mission’s values. Among the dignitaries who welcomed Sitharaman was the school’s President Kong Theilin Phanbuh, recipient of the Padma Shri in 2006 for her contributions to women’s welfare. The visit coincided with the school recently completing 100 years of service in the region.

Sitharaman also planted a sapling on the campus to mark the occasion. Former teachers and staff, including 90-year-old Kong Lolin Lyndem—an alumna who also served as a teacher—joined the event, along with the school community and faculty.

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