Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday handed over the Meghalaya IT Awards 2026 for meritorious students of the academic year 2025 at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong.
Organised by the Information Technology and Communications Department, Government of Meghalaya, the programme was also attended by Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister in-charge of Education.
As part of the programme, laptops were distributed to the awardees by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister congratulated the students, stating, “First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of you. What you have achieved today is something that every student aspires to, but only a few are able to accomplish.”
He acknowledged the efforts behind their success, noting, “All the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, the discipline, and the focus you maintained throughout your academic journey may have seemed difficult at the time. But today… every bit of that effort has been worthwhile. On behalf of the Government, we are extremely proud of your achievements.”
Referring to the laptops being distributed, he remarked, “This laptop… may appear to be a small token… however, it represents much more than its material value—it is a symbol of recognition, encouragement, and our belief in your potential.”
He emphasised that the programme is about recognising effort and celebrating success, adding, “In fact, I believe it is not you who should be applauding us, but we who should be applauding you.”
Highlighting the changing global landscape, he stated that the world is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements. Referring to recent developments, he said, “This morning, I came across reports of large-scale layoffs in the IT sector… While such developments may seem concerning, they also create new opportunities.”
He noted that every technological shift brings disruption but also opens new avenues for innovation and growth.
The Chief Minister further highlighted emerging opportunities across sectors, including technology, administrative services, sports, music, and clean energy. Referring to developments in sustainable energy, he noted that Meghalaya is producing ethanol and exploring ethanol-based alternatives, creating new avenues for innovation and enterprise.
Encouraging students to think about contributing to the State, he said that while many may pursue opportunities outside, there is immense potential within Meghalaya, and with the right ecosystem, more youth will choose to build their future in the State.