CM Conrad K Sangma pushes labs on wheels to make science and maths fun across Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 18, 2025

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasised the need to make Science and Mathematics fun, engaging, and accessible to students across Meghalaya.

Speaking at STEM Fusion 2025, a one-day workshop and student exhibition at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, held on August 18, he highlighted the importance of hands-on learning through initiatives such as Labs on Wheels and additional innovation labs to spark curiosity and excitement among children, especially in remote areas.

Recalling his student days, the Chief Minister said, “There was always a fear of Science and Mathematics and there was too much seriousness surrounding these subjects. It wasn’t much fun learning Science and Maths and I am sure in general that must be the feeling of many others even now, and it’s very unfortunate.”

He added, “It is the effort of the government and organisations like NECTAR and Smart Village Movement to find a way to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and in particular Science and Mathematics fun, interesting, engaging and attractive. This is a step towards improving the overall scenario and instilling in the children the curiosity and the enthusiasm when they think about STEM.”

The Chief Minister suggested expanding innovation labs and mobile science units for greater reach. “There should be more of such labs and a Lab on Wheels or mobile labs for greater reach of students. We have started such initiatives in the state under the Smart Village program and a lot of excitement is generated among the children who just come for experimenting and exploring,” he said.

Advocating for Science and Maths competitions, he said, “I urge the Education Department to have mandatory calendar events in schools to visit these Science labs and centres and to also have Science and Maths competitions at different levels culminating in State level competition.”

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said, “We cannot look at things in silos, we have to realize that we work in an ecosystem and unless variables in the ecosystem click and connect with each other a program cannot be successful,” stressing the need for collaboration among the Education Department, NECTAR, entrepreneurs, and other partners to create more STEM labs, particularly at the grassroots.

Adding excitement to the exhibition, he announced cash prizes of Rs 2 lakh for the first prize, Rs 1 lakh for the second, Rs 50,000 for the third, and Rs 10,000 for each participating school or group. He also stated that select innovative student projects will receive government funding.

Also present at the occasion were Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar, NECTAR Director General Arun Kumar Sharma, Vivek Shah from Smart Village Movement, Dr S. Muthu Kumaran, HOD of Metallurgical and Mineral Engineering at NIT, and the Director of Education, Government of Meghalaya.