Shillong, April 21 (IANS) Emphasising that the most powerful transformation society needs is a change in mindset, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said that inclusivity begins with how people perceive and treat individuals with special needs.​

Attending the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education at Danakgre, Tura, the Chief Minister highlighted the institution’s pioneering role in shaping inclusive education in the North East over the past 25 years.​

Recalling its early days, Sangma noted that when the college was established, there was no dedicated special education training institute in the region.​

He described the initiative as both challenging and visionary, acknowledging that Montfort set the foundation for similar institutions that followed.​

He stressed that people must not allow physical conditions, personal challenges, or economic backgrounds to define how individuals are treated, underlining dignity and equality as central to a progressive society.​

The Chief Minister also spoke about the government’s MOTHERS programme — Meghalaya Outcome Transformation in Health, Education, Rural Development, and Social Welfare — highlighting its integrated approach with mothers at the core of grassroots change.​

He observed that such holistic models have long been practised by faith-based institutions, particularly the Church, in their community outreach efforts.​

Calling for collaboration, Sangma said that despite differences in systems and roles, all stakeholders ultimately work towards the same goal of societal welfare and must strengthen partnerships to achieve shared objectives.​

The programme was attended by Bishop Andrew R. Marak, along with Rev. Bro. Dr Maria Soosai and Rev. Bro. Dr V. K. George, who also addressed the gathering and highlighted the institution’s contributions to teacher training and inclusive education.​

Established through the efforts of Bro. In 1985, the Montfort Centre for Education evolved into a leading institution supporting children with disabilities.​

Since the college’s inception in 1999, inaugurated by the late P. A. Sangma, it has trained over 600 special educators through courses recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India.​

Today, the Centre integrates over 200 children with special needs into mainstream education, alongside more than 1,000 students, and continues to serve as a model for inclusive learning in the region.​

–IANS

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