SHILONG : More than 500 students from East Khasi Hills came together for the district talent event of the SPARK Programme on Tuesday using the platform to showcase their abilities while building confidence, creativity and communication skills. A total of 526 students took part in the SPARK journey, with 42 students performing in the district-level talent segment.
The event was attended by Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Education Department adviser H.M. Shangpliang, Director of School Education and Literacy Richa Kulkarni, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, officials, teachers, principals, students and representatives of the Avenues team.
The programme was organised to give students opportunities beyond conventional classroom learning and help them identify their strengths.
Addressing the gathering, Rymbui said Meghalaya’s education sector had made progress over the past eight years but still faced challenges that required the involvement of the government, teachers, parents, students and the wider community.
He said the SPARK Programme was part of the government’s effort to give students platforms where they could discover their potential and develop skills needed for their future.
Rymbui also encouraged students not to be afraid of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, pointing to the growing importance of STEM education.He urged the participants to remain confident, learn from setbacks and share what they learn with others. “Whatever you learn, share it with others,” he told the students, encouraging them to become ambassadors of positive change.
Shangpliang said the programme was intended to widen opportunities for students, particularly those who may not normally come forward to participate in competitions and public activities.
Introduced in 2024, SPARK has provided students across Meghalaya with opportunities to improve confidence, communication and personality development, he said.
He also called for the programme to be sustained and strengthened, describing investment in students as an investment in Meghalaya’s future.
Kulkarni highlighted the role of teachers, particularly those working in difficult terrain and away from their families, in helping students develop their abilities.She said performing before a large audience itself required courage and confidence, regardless of the final result.
According to Kulkarni, SPARK focuses on three key areas Articulation, Resilience and Kindness which she described as important life skills for young people growing up in a rapidly changing world. With technology and artificial intelligence developing quickly, she said qualities that are distinctly human would become increasingly important.
She encouraged students to learn how to express their ideas clearly, recover from setbacks and seek help from trusted adults, teachers and friends when facing difficulties.The talent segment saw students present a range of performances before the gathering. The event also included felicitation of principals, coordinators, participating students and performers, with cash prizes presented to students who took part in the talent competition.
The district results were:
- First: St. Mary’s School Choir
- Second: Solo Performance, St. Mary’s School
- Third: Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School
The event concluded with recognition of the students, teachers, school authorities, jury members, coordinators and Avenues team involved in the programme.
The SPARK initiative continues to focus on helping Meghalaya’s students develop confidence and practical life skills alongside their academic education.
