Shillong, Oct 16: Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Wednesday remarked “if there is heaven, it is in India; if there is a heavenly spirit, it is in Meghalaya”, and praised Meghalaya for its gift of nature’s beauty
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub in Shillong, he highlighted Meghalaya’s potential to become a major economic force through its natural beauty and skilled human resources. He emphasized that tourism alone could power the state’s economy, given its abundant natural gifts.
Addressing the significance of the North-East in India’s growth trajectory, Dhankhar noted that the region is very important in fostering unity, economic development, and cultural heritage. He credited the Look East and Act East policies for driving significant improvements in communication, connectivity, and airport infrastructure across the North-East, including Meghalaya. “North-East is on the radar of the nation’s development,” he underlined.
The Vice-President also expressed concerns over growing ‘ignorance and ill-informed narratives’, and questioned if such ‘freefall of information’ that lacks factual grounding be allowed in society. Calling on all to remember their basic commitment to the nation, he emphasized that India (Bharat) is on an upward trajectory and is indivisible, urging the youth to stay informed and engaged in nation-building.
Youths are the most vital contributors in India
The Vice-President singled out the youth as “the most vital contributors and significant stakeholders” in India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047.
To support this vision, he praised the establishment of the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub—a centre designed to enhance youth entrepreneurship and skill development. He noted that “skill is neither discovered nor innovated; it is the optimal exploitation of talent” that gives human resources their cutting edge.
In this context, skilling is no longer a luxury but a necessity, Dhankhar emphasized, stressing that the hub would play a critical role in nurturing local entrepreneurship and fostering industry collaborations.
The Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub will be constructed on a 6.54-acre site in New Shillong at a cost of Rs 77.5 crore. The facility is envisioned as a training and incubation centre, providing opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between the youth and industries.
5 lakh young individuals to be skilled in 5 years
In his speech, Dhankhar also lauded the central government’s dedication to skill development, citing the formation of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the allocation of Rs 60,000 crore towards internships for 5 lakh young individuals over the next five years.
He emphasized that rural and semi-urban areas must become hubs of skill centres to truly harness the nation’s potential.
The event also saw the launch of the ‘CM Business Catalyst: Student B-Plan Challenge’ in collaboration with IIM Shillong, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Meghalaya and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote entrepreneurship in the state.
The Vice-President commended Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for spearheading initiatives that aim to nurture the untapped potential of the state’s youth.
Dhankhar reiterated that skilling the youth is the “need of the time” and expressed confidence that with the support of the new innovation hub and ongoing entrepreneurial efforts, Meghalaya’s young population would significantly contribute to the state’s growth and prosperity.
