Shillong, Nov 22: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the newly completed CFI (Caring for India) Centre at Nonglum, Umroi, Ri-Bhoi.
The CFI has been envisioned as a space dedicated to empowering leaders for community transformation and holistic development. The initiative aims to build capacities, strengthen faith-based leadership and foster collaborative efforts that contribute to social upliftment across the region.
Speaking at the programme, the Chief Minister appreciated the vision behind establishing the CFI Centre and lauded the efforts of the organisers for creating an institution focused on leadership building, moral guidance and community service.
On CFI’s nursing college initiative, the Chief Minister noted that there had been a request for land for expansion and assured full government support.
He highlighted the state’s progress in facilitating overseas opportunities for nurses, noting that in the past year, “37 nurses have gone to Japan, close to 30 to Singapore, and the first batch will be going to Germany very soon.” He added that 2,000 nurses are currently in the pipeline for international placements.
The Chief Minister encouraged CFI to incorporate language training within the nursing curriculum, assuring that the government would partner with the institution to make this possible.
He also praised the vision of establishing a leadership retreat centre, describing it as “one of the greatest blessings that could be given to our people.” He noted that Christian youth across the country need leadership training and said such a centre could help build “a network of great Christian leaders across India.”
Urging CFI to build an open and inclusive platform, he said, “We must not be closed. We must open this up… this should not just be a course but a platform that brings people together.”
Responding to CFI’s concerns about malnutrition, maternal health and infant mortality, the Chief Minister recalled that Meghalaya had the highest maternal mortality rate in 2018 at 230 deaths per lakh. He highlighted the state’s multi-sectoral efforts under the MOTHER programme to address the issue.
He assured that the government will partner with the CFI.
CFI leader Dr. Shaji Thomas shared the origin of CFI, which began 27 years ago, stating it was with a simple desire to serve. He said the Leadership Centre at Nonglum was not part of a long-term plan but emerged from faith and the belief that unused land could be transformed for the community’s benefit.
CFI Board Member P.J. Matthew emphasised CFI’s foundation as a Christian charitable trust rooted in service and highlighted the importance of kindness and upliftment as core expressions of Christian identity.
Yesterday, the Chief Minister visited Umsning and participated in a town hall meet organised by the Dorbar. There he announced that Rs 1.5 crore has been sanctioned for construction of drains in the market area and Rs 20 lakhs from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for the streets lights and repair of pavements.
During the town hall meeting members of the Seng Kynthei raised concerns of the non-supply of water under the Jal Jeevan Mission and directed the PHE and the Deputy Commissioner to discuss the problems. Other concerns that were raised by the members of the durbar were internal roads, garbage segregation and disposal, parking spaces etc.
Meritorious students and athletes were also felicitated during the event. The Chief Minister Rs 20,000 from the CM’s Special Grant and assistance to schools to buy musical instruments.
