A special lecture on “Christian Medical Mission in North East India” held at Tura

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 13, 2024

During the three-day visit of the State Education Commission of Meghalaya (MeSEC) to Garo Hills Region, a Special Lecture on “Christian Medical Mission in North East India” was delivered by Professor David Reid Syiemlieh, Former Chairman, UPSC and Adviser Meghalaya State Education Commission (MeSEC). The program was organized by Tura Christian College (TCC), Tura at Working Women’s Hostel, A B Mission Compound, Tura yesterday evening. 

While delivering his Lecture, he said that the Christian Medical Mission in North East India is one of the most neglected areas of study and urged the young scholars from Tura to write articles and do research on the said subject. He also informed that he had done extensive research on the contributions of Baptist Missionaries with particular reference to Thomas Jones, Presbyterian Mission, followed by research on several Christian Mission and churches in the spread of faith, education and medical Services in the NE region. 

He further said that he chose to speak on the subject in order to protect the dedicated dimension of missionary work and to encourage historical studies on this passionate story of the services of Missionaries in the NorthEast region.  Further, he mentioned in detail about the arrival of these Missionaries to North East India with Special reference to Baptist Missionaries and the establishment of medical service and it’s tremendous contribution to the people of North East region in general and Garo Hills in particular. 

Meanwhile, Chairperson, MeSEC, Professor S M Sungoh spoke on the “Work Culture and Ethics ” and reminded that as educators they have a pivotal role in shaping the minds and talents of the students.  Stating that the mission goes far beyond imparting knowledge, she said that they have to nurture, inspire, empower the students with skill development and assist in contributing to the growth of a sustainable future. 

She also mentioned the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by the government of India to equip the students with the tools they need to tackle the challenges in future and contribute positively in future to the society. 

The Secretary,  Education department, Government of Meghalaya, Ambrose Ch Marak informed that the  members of the State Education Commission had come to understand the ground reality and listen the stakeholders including senior citizens, academicians,  different organisations, Heads of institutions and their views and opinions on the present education system in Meghalaya and to address the challenges faced along with suggestions so that the department can discuss and submit the report to the Government. 

President, GB, Tura Christian College (TCC), Tony T Ch Marak, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Lakyntiewhun Sohtun also spoke on the occasion while Assistant Professor, Department of Education,  Earlitha M Sangma presented a detailed Academic report on the establishment of Tura Christian College since July 2018, the activities, plans, progress, affiliations of TCC, etc.

Distinguished Academicians, Retired Officers, Heads of Institutions, Members of Governing Body, members of various organisations were among others present during the Special lecture.