Shillong, Oct 20: Mang Hai Ryum Higher Secondary School, Amlarem, West Jaintia Hills celebrated its Silver Jubilee under the theme “By God’s Grace We Stand, For His Glory We Grow.”
The grand celebration, which was held on October 17, marked 25 years of faith, perseverance, and commitment to education and community service.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui in his keynote address, lauded the school for its remarkable journey and said it stood the test of time, overcoming challenges through grit, determination, and faith. He praised the humility and dedication of the founder’s family, adding that if even 10 per cent of the 55,000 teachers in the State shared the same vision and mission, Meghalaya’s education system would be transformed.
He further emphasized the government’s ongoing initiative to restructure the teaching cadre into two categories — Grant-in-Aid and government salary — and announced that the cabinet aims to finalize this reform by December 2025.
Expressing concern over low enrolment in several government schools within Amlarem Sub-Division, he urged community leaders to take greater responsibility in supporting educational reforms and strengthening local institutions.
During the celebration, the Minister announced several developmental measures for the school, including Rs 15 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF), Rs 10 lakh for infrastructure enhancement, and two Maruti Eeco vans for student transport. He assured that the work orders will be formally handed over during the upcoming visit of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to Amlarem on November 12.
Principal Tyrmei Chynnam Pamthied reflected on the school’s humble beginnings in a tin-roofed classroom where multiple classes were taught in one hall, to achieve a 100 per cent pass percentage in the 2025 SSLC examination.
He paid tribute to his late mother and founder, (L) Smt. Aiom Pyngngad Pamthied, describing her as a tireless worker who helped students regardless of financial status and worked late into the night preparing examination materials. He shared the school’s vision to make Amlarem a hub of quality education in the War Jaintia region by introducing a Science Stream, establishing laboratories, improving fencing for safety, and enhancing facilities for student welfare and transport.
Cultural presentations showcasing the diverse heritage of Meghalaya — including Khasi, Jaintia, Garo, and Manipuri dances — captivated the audience. Awards were presented to Long-Serving Teachers, Academic Achievers (2007–2025), and staff.
