Shillong, Aug 12: The district talent event of the SPARK Programme was held in East Khasi Hills on Tuesday, providing 526 students from across the district a platform to showcase their talents, creativity and confidence.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said Meghalaya’s education system has made significant progress over the past eight years, but several challenges remain and addressing them requires the collective efforts of the government, teachers, students, parents and the wider community. He said the vision of the Chief Minister is to ensure every individual gets an opportunity to succeed, and the SPARK Programme is part of that effort to help students identify their abilities beyond conventional academics.
Rymbui stressed the growing importance of STEM education and urged students to remain confident, embrace challenges and not be discouraged by setbacks. He congratulated the participants and called upon them to become ambassadors of positive change, describing them as the “spark of tomorrow.”
Advisor to the Education Department Himalaya M Shangpliang said the programme, introduced in 2024, seeks to broaden opportunities for students and build confidence, courage and resilience. He expressed appreciation to the Education Department and the Avenues team, and called for the programme to be sustained and strengthened in the coming years. “Investing in students is investing in the future of Meghalaya,” he said.
Director of School Education and Literacy Richa Kulkarni highlighted the three core areas of SPARK — Articulation, Resilience and Kindness — as essential life skills for today’s generation. She said in a world of rapid technological change, uniquely human qualities will become increasingly important, and the responsibility of education goes beyond examinations to preparing young minds for the future.
The event featured performances by 42 students. St. Mary’s School Choir secured the first position, followed by a solo performance from St. Mary’s School in second place and Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School in third.
Cash prizes were awarded to talent participants, while principals, coordinators, teachers and jury members were felicitated.
Also present were Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills Abhilash Baranwal, senior officials of the Education Department, DSEO officials, members of the Avenues team and other dignitaries.
