One of the most prestigious colleges in Meghalaya, St Edmund’s, is preparing for its centenary celebrations, with the inaugural event to be held on November 5.
The oldest college in the state was established in 1923 and will hit its century next year. The management has arranged a range of activities, like seminars, a book fair, inter-college games, musical performances and other programmes to celebrate with current students, alumni, staff and the public.
Some of the highlights will include collaborations with prominent alumni such as fashion designer Daniel Syiem and stand-up comedian Abhineet Mishra, along with the Shillong Chamber Choir.
There are around 2,800 students at St Edmund’s now, with 110 teaching staff, 40 non-teaching staff operating out of 20 undergraduate departments and one postgraduate department.
Speaking to reporters today, the Principal, Sylvanus Lamare, urged alumni to register and check the college website and social media handles for updates and necessary information relating to the activities of the college.
“Our special plan for the centenary year is that, as we embark into an important venture of the Indian government, that is, the National Education Policy 2020, we want to be meaningful to society in assisting young people to get an education that will make young people employable. We know it is not easy but we think it is worth trying to give our best,” Lamare said.
He also mentioned that St Edmund’s is the only college in the country to get star status in biotechnology from the central government and has produced two Chief Election Commissioners of India – JM Lyngdoh and Harishankar Brahma. Other luminaries from the college’s past include former chairman of the Union Public Service Commissioner, David Syiemlieh.
“We educate young people to be true to themselves, discover their potential and live up to the motto of the college – Facta non Verba (Deeds not Words),” Lamare said.
Secretary of St Edmund’s, Bro Simon Coelho, said that the college’s milestone was only possible because of the efforts of everyone involved, like teachers, parents, students and other stakeholders.
Vice-Principal, Prof Monotosh Chakravarty, mentioned how the centenary celebration will be representative of Shillong’s rich diversity, as St Edmund’s has always had students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
