Sitharaman concludes Meghalaya visit with stop at historic Ramakrishna Mission School, Sohra

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 13, 2025

On the final day of her four-day visit to Meghalaya, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, visited the historic Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra.

During her visit, the Minister paid floral tributes at the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda.

She was shown the Mission’s vocational training facilities, where around 100 women are being trained in weaving free of cost.

Swami Anuragananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Sohra, shared that the Minister has long been familiar with the institution’s work. 

“Being one of the oldest centres in the Northeast, she was eager to learn about the history, growth, and current challenges of the Mission, as well as the various activities it undertakes,” he said.

“She expressed a keen interest in meeting the women entrepreneurs and was deeply moved by the empowerment initiatives on the campus,” Swami Anuragananda added. 

“We also gave her an overview of our work in healthcare, education, community relief among other activities.”

Sitharaman also inquired about the many distinguished alumni of the institution. Swami Anuragananda recalled her interest in legendary figures such as B.B. Lyngdoh, former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a pioneer of coalition politics in India; G.G. Swell, renowned parliamentarian; Donkupar Roy, and other prominent leaders, bureaucrats, and technocrats who were shaped by the Mission’s values.

To welcome the Minister, several dignitaries were present including the school’s President Theilin Phanbuh, recipient of the Padma Shri in 2006 for her work in women’s upliftment. 

It may be noted that the Ramakrishna Mission School, Sohra, has recently completed 100 years of dedicated service in the region. Smt. Sitharaman planted a sapling on the campus towards the end of her visit.

Also present were former teachers and staff, including Kong Lolin Lyndem, one of the school’s oldest alumni at age 90 who had served both as a student and a teacher. 

The school community, including students and faculty, among other dignitaries were present to grace the special occasion.