Shillong, July 13: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her four-day visit to Meghalaya with a visit to the historic Ramakrishna Mission School in Sohra on Sunday.
During the visit, the Minister paid floral tributes to the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda, and toured the Mission’s vocational training centre, where around 100 women receive free training in weaving.
Swami Anuragananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, Sohra, noted the Minister’s long-standing connection with the institution.
“As one of the oldest centres in the Northeast, she was keen to understand our history, the progress we’ve made over the decades, and the challenges we still face. She expressed deep appreciation for our work in education, healthcare, and community relief,” he said.
The Minister was particularly moved by the Mission’s women’s empowerment initiatives and spent time interacting with trainees and local entrepreneurs.
She also showed keen interest in the school’s distinguished alumni, which include B.B. Lyngdoh, former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a pioneer of coalition politics in India; parliamentarian G.G. Swell; and former Assembly Speaker Donkupar Roy—among other bureaucrats and technocrats shaped by the school’s legacy.
The visit also coincided with the school’s centenary celebrations. To mark the milestone, Sitharaman planted a sapling on the school premises, symbolising growth and continuity.
Several dignitaries were present, including school President Theilin Phanbuh, a Padma Shri awardee known for her work in women’s welfare. Also in attendance was 90-year-old Lolin Lyndem, one of the school’s oldest alumni, who had served as both a student and teacher.
