Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today underscored the need to inspire young minds to develop solutions to societal challenges through science and technology.
Speaking at the National Science Day 2025 celebration and the inauguration of the Digital Planetarium at NEHU Tura campus, he asserted, “Pose a challenge to our youth to come up with solutions to different problems,” emphasizing that such initiatives would drive innovation with tangible benefits for society.
Citing irrigation issues as an example, he remarked, “If the youth are encouraged to study the problem, they may come up with a solution that will benefit our farmers. It may be a sensor-based or solar-powered solution… maybe… we should believe and trust in their ideas.” Stressing the importance of nurturing talent, he advocated for supporting students from school to university based on their problem-solving potential and proposed enhanced prize money for science and mathematics competitions to stimulate young minds.
“If a young mind wants to develop an idea that will prove beneficial, we as a government should support that idea. If required, we should fund it and ensure that a prototype is developed,” he said, reiterating that fostering education in science and technology is essential for national progress.
Outlining the state’s vision, he highlighted that the government has strategically invested in youth-centric interventions to ensure Meghalaya’s young generation is future-ready. “India is a young nation, and Meghalaya even younger. The majority of Meghalaya’s population is below the age of 20 years, with over six lakh people above the age of 45. Considering the strength of our young population, the government has made systematic investments to channelize their positive energy,” he said.
“It is important for us as a state to realize this demographic structure and invest in our youth. As a government, we want to nurture our youth and invest in them,” he added.
He further highlighted state interventions in sports and music, stating, “All our programs, including initiatives to promote music, sports, and communication among young people, align with our vision to capitalize on their potential.” He also announced that under the National Education Policy (NEP), all government colleges and higher secondary schools in Meghalaya would introduce science streams and multi-disciplinary courses. “Our vision is to ensure that we have innovative minds to lead the state in the future,” he said.
Recognizing Meghalaya’s inherent musical talent, he stated, “If children are introduced to music as a learning tool, they will learn better.” He also highlighted the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP), which has empowered young musicians to showcase their talent and earn a livelihood. “In the last three years, through MGMP, we have supported over 3,000 artists in the state and released over ₹18 crore in funds,” he said.
During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with participants who presented innovative models tackling challenges such as traffic congestion, solar-powered flood alarm signals, elevated roads for ambulances, and signals for narrow turns. He later inaugurated the newly constructed Digital Planetarium at NEHU Tura campus in the presence of Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and other dignitaries.