Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Meghalaya was as poetic as it was pragmatic. From echoing Khasi proverbs to unveiling flagship development projects, her journey across the scenic state became a masterclass in how governance can respectfully walk hand in hand with tradition. Addressing a crowd with grace and humility, Sitharaman drew instant connection with the people by speaking in Khasi — her voice carrying both warmth and reverence. Phrases like “Ka Tip Briew Tip Blei” (“If you want to know God, know man first”) and “Kamai Ia Ka Hok” (“Earn righteousness by doing business with integrity”) were not just symbolic gestures — they represented an earnest attempt to understand the moral compass of Meghalaya’s people. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma shared a video of her speech on social media, calling it a moment that “touched one and all.” Her ability to link Khasi wisdom with principles of governance, ethics, and inclusive development won her admiration across the board.
From her road journey through the lush landscapes between Guwahati and Shillong to her visit to remote hamlets, the Finance Minister’s itinerary blended sight-seeing with statecraft. One notable stop was the shimmering Umiam Lake, now being developed into a water sports and eco-tourism hub. Sitharaman highlighted how schemes like the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) are transforming natural assets into economic engines that empower local communities. She also highlighted Meghalaya’s growing tourism potential fueled not just by breathtaking scenery but by community-driven entrepreneurship rooted in tradition. Among these, her interaction with local vendors and artisans at a state-sponsored showcase featured Lakadong turmeric, silk textiles, bamboo pickles, jams, and other homegrown wonders that have begun to command global attention. Perhaps one of the most symbolic gestures of her visit was flagging off a consignment of high-quality pineapples grown by a farmer-producers’ organization in Jirang village — now bound for export to the UAE. The moment was more than ceremonial; it celebrated Meghalaya’s potential to connect its agrarian roots with international markets while uplifting farmers and preserving indigenous knowledge.
Another major highlight was Sitharaman’s interaction with students and young professionals under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) during a North East Roundtable. She lauded their aspirations, noting how such programs are bridging the gap between education and real-world employability. “It was heartening to hear how this scheme is sharpening their skills and preparing them for the world of work,” she wrote in her reflections. For Meghalaya — where youth are seen as the heartbeat of its future this was a promising sign of inclusive growth. Accompanied by the Chief Minister and senior officials, Sitharaman also laid the foundation stone for the Mawkhanu Football Stadium and inaugurated several digital libraries, pushing forward the twin goals of accessibility and education. But what stood out were her visits to villages transformed by flagship schemes like Viksit Bharat@2047, Vibrant Village Programme, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. In one such village, she witnessed the cultivation of Shiitake mushrooms — a successful collaboration with Japanese firms which has opened new avenues of livelihood for locals while positioning Meghalaya as a niche agri-export state.