Shillong, May 19: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the newly relocated office complex of the 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC at Cherangre in Tura, describing the National Cadet Corps (NCC) as a key institution for shaping disciplined, responsible and patriotic youth in the state.
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| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma with NCC officials, cadets and dignitaries during the inauguration of the newly relocated 41 Meghalaya Battalion NCC complex at Cherangre in Tura on Tuesday. (Image: X/SangmaConrad) |
The newly inaugurated complex will serve as the administrative and operational headquarters of the battalion and is expected to strengthen NCC activities across the Garo Hills region. During the programme, the Chief Minister also unveiled a commemorative plaque and participated in a sapling plantation drive on the campus.
More than 500 NCC cadets, Associate NCC Officers (ANOs), officials and guests attended the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Sangma termed the inauguration a “momentous occasion” and said the expansion of the NCC’s presence in Garo Hills aligns with the government’s broader vision of empowering youth through discipline, leadership and exposure.
“Initiatives like the NCC help instil values of patriotism, hard work, respect and discipline among young people while creating opportunities for leadership and personal growth,” he said.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s demographic profile, the Chief Minister stated that nearly 75 per cent of the state’s population is below the age of 35, while around 50 per cent is below 20 years. He described the youth as the “greatest strength” of Meghalaya and reiterated the government’s commitment to youth-centric policies and programmes.
Sangma also referred to the state’s Youth and Sports Policy, stating that the government is working to integrate education, sports, entrepreneurship, culture and youth exchange programmes to provide greater opportunities and exposure, especially for youths from remote areas.
He noted that many young people from interior parts of Meghalaya had never travelled outside their districts before participating in state-level sporting and youth events, adding that such exposure helps them realise their potential and aspire for greater achievements.
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Sharing his personal experience of losing his first election in 2004, Sangma encouraged the cadets to remain resilient in the face of setbacks and view failures as opportunities for self-improvement.
The Chief Minister further said Meghalaya is among the fastest-growing states in the country and assured that the government remains committed to development, youth empowerment and economic growth.
Among those present at the programme were Brigadier KJ Singh, DDG NCC Directorate North Eastern Region; Colonel Amil Aul, SM, DGC NCC Group Headquarters Shillong; Colonel DT Antony; Lieutenant Colonel Abhishek Chakraborty; Subedar Major Ismail; and West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal.
