Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday inaugurated the Science Stream of the prestigious Loyola College, Williamnagar in presence of Williamnagar MLA Marcuise Marak and Bishop of Tura Rt. Rev. Andrew R. Marak and laid foundation for Loyola Boy’s Hostel.
“Education is very important for me and my government and we have to do a lot. We are according top priority to ensure better educational facilities in the State and have embarked on a mission to finalize the Education Policy for the State,” he said.
He enlightened the gathering on one of the important agenda of late Purno Agitok Sangma, who always dreamt for a better future for the students of Meghalaya.
“I am very happy that Loyola College Williamnagar is creating infrastructure for the welfare of the student community of Garo Hills in particular and Meghalaya. Loyola has provided a platform for the growth and development of education sector in the region, which is very important for a progressive society,” he said, while lauding Loyola College for initiating intervention for growth of education in the region.
He urged the students to develop competitive spirit and strive for excellence.
“Education has been a priority for us and we have a budget close to 2000 cr. All these year, almost 90 percent funds were spent for administrative purposes, while only 10 per cent for development of infrastructure. We are trying to ensure that maximum thrust is put in place for the welfare of students and development of better facilities in the institutes,” he said.
On the occasion, the students of the college performed a play – “Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. The Chief Minister was bowled with the performance of the students and praised the college for giving a platform for the students to showcase their skills.
Loyola College is owned and governed by the members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It is affiliated to North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). Loyola Higher Secondary School, the forerunner of Loyola College, was established in 2010 and the undergraduate degree programmes began three years later in 2013. Presently the College offers courses in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com).
The academic and co-curricular activities of the College are held in three academic blocks. The Humanities’ block (Inigo Block) was inaugurated on July 2, 2015 and the science block was inaugurated on June 23, 2018. The first block (Bp. Mama Block), where the institution started classes in 2010, houses Commerce (B.Com) classes and library temporarily. These three blocks provide adequate rooms for classes and laboratories for 1500 students by 2020. Presently there are 1233 students in Loyola.
“Quality education will surely help the youth find employment. Loyola is committed to fulfilling some of the aspirations of our student community and the people of Garo Hills. The integral formation of students, development of their skills and personality and their employability are the primary concerns of Loyola. Allow us to join hands with the government in improving the lots of our people”, said Fr. Sunny Augustine, principal of Loyola College.
“The science program of Loyola is a significant step towards science education in Garo Hills with a plan for research in higher secondary, undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. It has been the expressed desire of the people of this land to have a science stream in Loyola to promote scientific knowledge and temper in students. Loyola promotes Mathematics, the queen of science that cuts across all the streams of science. The inauguration of Science program of Loyola by Chief Minister is the beginning of a research mission”, Fr. Sunny added.