NAROTTAM NAGAR, 20 May: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday proposed to the alumni of the Ramakrishna Mission School (RKMS) here in Tirap district to partner with the government to construct a state-of-the-art convention hall, befitting the institute’s golden jubilee celebrations.
Addressing a meeting of the school’s alumni, the CM said, “This hall we are sitting now is little congested for the growing number of students each year,” and urged the alumni to pay back to their alma mater by partnering with the state government in constructing the new convention hall.
Khandu said that the state government is competent enough to sanction funds for the construction of the convention hall, but that it is the duty of the alumni of the school, especially those who are now well-to-do citizens, to pay back.
“For every requirement, we look up to the government. Yes, government is there for that only, but at the same time, we need to change our mindset. We need to ask what we are giving back to the institutions that made us what we are,” he said.
The CM also assured to donate fund out of pocket for the construction of the new convention hall. He gave the responsibility of taking the proposal forward to former chief engineer Kenjum Ete and serving Chief Engineer S Sumnyan – both alumni of the school.
“With so many doctors, engineers, bureaucrats, businessmen and politicians like Education Minister Taba Tedir (RKM Aalo), Legislative Assembly Speaker PD Sona (RKM Aalo), Agriculture Minister Tage Taki (RKM Aalo), IT Minister Wangki Lowang (RKM Narottam Nagar) and several erstwhile and present day MLAs as alumni of the mission, the task at hand will not be an issue,” Khandu said.
He called upon the ex-students and the educated lot of the society to brainstorm along with the authorities of the mission and make a proper plan for development and expansion of the school, which was established in 1971.
“We are late starters in all spheres. So, the first-generation educated and affluent people have to contribute. Leaving everything upon the government will not work,” he said.
Expressing surprise that the alumni meet was being held for the first time on the institute’s 50th year of inception, Khandu advised the members to meet annually or at least once in two years.
“The alumni association of any institution has a great role to play in further progress of their alma mater,” he added.
Wangki Lowang and Lok Sabha member Tapir Gao were also present on the occasion, along with officials of the district administration.
Khandu will be revisiting the school on Saturday, accompanying union Home Minister Amit Shah. (CM’s PR Cell)
