Tura, Aug 29: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Civil Service Coaching & Training Center of the A·chik Welfare Society (AWS), A.B. Krima No. IV, at the District Auditorium in Tura. The initiative aims to provide structured guidance and training for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.
The inaugural programme was attended by Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma as Guest of Honour, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member Albinush R. Marak, along with other dignitaries, community leaders, and students.
Calling the occasion “momentous and historic,” the Chief Minister said Meghalaya’s youth are the state’s greatest strength, with nearly half of the population below the age of 20. He stressed the importance of nurturing this demographic through education, discipline, and the right guidance.
“Success in civil service examinations is not defined by one’s background but by belief, hard work, and discipline,” Sangma said, encouraging students to adopt scientific methods of preparation and resilience in the face of challenges. He also urged aspirants to remain connected to their roots and serve their communities after achieving success.
On the occasion, AWS submitted two memoranda to the Chief Minister—one seeking infrastructural support for the coaching center, including classrooms, a library, and study materials, and another calling for the establishment of a rehabilitation center in Tura to address drug abuse among youth.
Responding to the request, the Chief Minister assured that under the government’s DREAM project (Drug Rehabilitation, Elimination and Awareness Mission), ₹15 crore has been earmarked for rehabilitation initiatives. He announced that the Social Welfare Department would coordinate with AWS to operationalize a rehabilitation center in Garo Hills within one to two months.
The initiative has already drawn strong interest, with over 100 aspirants applying to join the coaching programme. AWS leaders expressed confidence that with community support and government backing, the center will become a platform to nurture future leaders and promote academic excellence and public service.
Guest of Honour Thomas A. Sangma lauded the Society’s vision, emphasizing that talent must be sharpened through structured mentoring. “Every attempt is an experience, every setback a lesson, and every effort brings you closer to success,” he told the students.
Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal also encouraged aspirants, sharing his own experience of preparing for the UPSC examinations, which, he said, not only tested his academic skills but also shaped his personal growth.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sanggra A. Sangma of the AWSCSCTC Committee and a closing prayer by Rev. Frithing D. Sangma, Pastor of Hawakhana Baptist Church.
, A.B. Krima No. IV, at the District Auditorium in Tura. The initiative aims to provide structured guidance and training for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.){kind=link}