North Liberty at 25: A Journey of Faith, Grit and Glory

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 14, 2025

North Liberty Higher Secondary School, Mookyrdup, Jowai a renowned institution in West Jaintia Hills, marked a historic milestone on Tuesday with the celebration of its Silver Jubilee Opening Ceremony-cum-14th Felicitation Ceremony. The event, held at the school campus, reflected on 25 years of unwavering commitment to academic excellence and community service.

The occasion was graced by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of Commerce & Industries, Transport, Urban Affairs, and Prisons and Correctional Services, Sniawbhalang Dhar, as Chief Guest. Wailadmiki Shylla, MLA of 2-Jowai Constituency and Chairman of MUDA, attended as Guest of Honour.

The day began with an opening prayer and Scripture reading by Dr. Pastor Eliphas Mukhim, setting a spiritual tone that emphasized dedication, humility, and divine guidance. The celebration drew its theme from 1 Corinthians 15:58: “…always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

In an emotional and vivid retelling of the school’s origin, Principal and Founder Richard Uriah shared how North Liberty began from a place of vision and necessity. Over two decades ago, while working as an engineer and lecturer, he found himself coaching students from Mookyrdup, Mooralong, and Lumpariat—many of whom had failed multiple times in matric. His success in helping one such student pass led him to reconsider his calling.

“Maybe I was not meant to be an engineer,” he recalled, “maybe I was meant to teach.”

Despite doubts and societal expectations, he chose to start a school in Jowai—a place then lacking academic competition. His decision, he said, was made with the support of his wife, who pledged to stand by him: “I will not just marry you, but I will serve with you.”

The school opened on March 1, 2000, with 28 students from nursery to Class 1. On that first chaotic day, overwhelmed by the crying of young students, he called his mother for help. She became the school’s first headmistress and helped lay the foundation for its preschool standards.

Richard also acknowledged key individuals who walked alongside him in building North Liberty. He remembered Tymmen basan (church elders) Ten Timung, who issued the school’s first admission forms and believed in the vision before anyone else. He also highlighted the unwavering commitment of Raising Kharangi, his childhood friend, and Flyding Warjri, who became his right hand in administration.

After receiving a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Educational Technology at Johnson University in Tennessee, USA, Richard returned to India, having topped his class, and continued leading the school with renewed vision and global insights.

The school has since made remarkable achievements: 16 students have featured in the MBOSS SSLC top 20 list, one student reached the HSSLC top 10 list, and seven students made it to the top 10 in HSSLC Science in just seven years. “There is something about numbers in this school,” Richard said. “When I get to heaven, I will ask God about that.”

He also gave due credit to North Liberty’s achievements in sports, naming former and present coaches including Hering Shangpliang, Milan Lynrah, Damehi Kyndiah, Dapmon Tariang, and Joshua Pohdweng, along with the leadership of the current District Sports Officer Khroobok Passah. “North Liberty grooms players not only for the school, but for the district and the state,” he said.

He thanked the school’s teachers, janitors, drivers, non-teaching staff, and especially the people of Mookyrdup. “We are blessed with a great community,” he said, extending his gratitude to past and present village headmen.

Richard concluded his address with a powerful testimony of faith: “There is no denying that there is a God. Our God is an awesome God… It’s not by power. It’s not by might, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.”

Guest of Honour Wailadmiki Shylla commended the school’s consistency in performance, saying, “It’s not easy to remain in the top 20 year after year. That’s the real achievement.” He highlighted how North Liberty has inspired other schools in the district to rise academically and excel in sports.

He also urged schools to focus on what they have, rather than what they lack. “North Liberty is a living example that if you put purpose first, everything else—including growth and recognition—will follow.”

Chief Guest Sniawbhalang Dhar, in his speech, praised the school for producing responsible and capable students who represent the future of the state. He encouraged students to persevere, regardless of their current academic performance. “Success lies in discovering your true path and working hard. Not everyone needs to top the class to be a leader,” he said.

He also reminded parents not to feel inferior if their children do not study in elite institutions, saying, “True education lies in learning, not just in the prestige of the school.”

The celebration included recitations, choir performances, choreography, and a special alumni song. Graduating SSLC students from the Class of 2025 were felicitated, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Kongka Ranida Shylla and a benediction by Pastor Haresster Lapasam.

The Silver Jubilee was not just a celebration of years passed, but a reaffirmation of the school’s purpose—to shape lives, uphold values, and serve the community with integrity and heart.