Shillong, Dec 11: Facing backlash from opposition parties, Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma has defended the state government’s decision to declare a holiday for all schools in Shillong on Tuesday. The holiday coincided with the highly anticipated Bryan Adams concert at the Polo Grounds, which marked the start of the Canadian rock legend’s five-city India tour.
Sangma appreciated the opposition for taking a stand but emphasized that their role is to critique government decisions regardless of public consensus. “Opposition parties must criticize; it’s their responsibility to take a stand. If 90% of people agree with a decision, the opposition must present an alternative view,” he stated.
The minister defended the move, emphasizing the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), which promotes holistic and multidisciplinary education. He argued that education extends beyond classroom learning to include exposure to music, sports, and cultural events. “Yesterday’s holiday allowed students to explore extracurricular experiences. Education is not just about academics; it’s about understanding the world around us,” Sangma said.
Sangma also highlighted the public’s positive reception to the decision, sharing that even his daughter attended the concert. “Had we kept schools open, 90% of people would have criticized us for not considering the festive spirit. Closing schools was a practical and popular decision,” he added.
The minister’s remarks underline the government’s intent to integrate educational opportunities with cultural experiences, aligning with modern educational frameworks.