Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her four-day visit to Meghalaya with a visit to the historic Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra. She paid respects at the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda. The Minister toured the vocational training facilities, where approximately 100 women are receiving free weaving training. Swami Anuragananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Sohra, noted the Minister’s long-standing familiarity with the institution’s work and her interest in its history, current activities, and challenges. She expressed particular interest in meeting the women entrepreneurs and was moved by the empowerment initiatives. The Minister also inquired about the school’s notable alumni, including former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Bah B.B. Lyngdoh, and parliamentarian Bah G.G. Swell. Dignitaries, including Kong Theilin Phanbuh, a Padma Shri recipient, welcomed her. The visit coincided with the school’s centenary. Sitharaman also planted a sapling during her visit.
Prior to the school visit, the Minister visited the iconic living root bridge in Siej Village, where she interacted with village elders and beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services programme. She praised the community’s preservation of traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. Sitharaman acknowledged the community’s efforts to obtain UNESCO heritage status for the bridges, emphasizing the global significance of their practices. She also visited Laitkynsew Village, interacting with Women SHGs and Farmer Producer Organizations. Additionally, she laid the foundation stone for significant development projects in Shillong, valued at over Rs 1,500 crore, and inaugurated Shillong’s first multi-facility Shopping Complex.