Nongpoh:
The 61st General Conference and All-India Schools Festival on Monday kick-starts at the Central Auditorium of University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) with participation of more than 150 school children from various schools in India.
The conference is organised by United Schools Organisation of India (USO) in which the theme of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 is ‘A Global Commitment to Well-Being’.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma addressed the gathering via video-recorded speech. He said, “This event exemplifies a sentiment that defines our incredible country. It is a celebration of knowledge, culture, and unity—a testament to the power of institutions to bridge divides and foster understanding. Dear students, during these four days, you will embark on a journey of knowledge, culture, and friendship”.
In the four-day event, participants from schools nationwide will engage in thought-provoking activities that promote the ideals of the United Nations and moral values. Competition categories include Declamation (in Hindi and English), On-the-Spot Painting, Solo Dance, Group Dance, and One-Act Play.
Moreover, the conference offers a holistic experience for all participants. A peace march, life skills workshop and sightseeing trip provide an opportunity for students and teachers to bond and learn valuable life skills.
The inaugural ceremony of the event was graced by Nina Jain, Secretary General, USO, Sunil Kumar, Executive Council Member USO, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor USTM, Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor USTM and others.
In her inaugural address, Nina Jain said, “This flagship event of USO is a unique gathering of teachers and students from schools across the country and marks a significant milestone as it takes place for the first time in a University in Meghalaya”. The Festival is a historic event as it brings together the educational community in a grand celebration of talent, knowledge, and cultural diversity. This event embodies the spirit of unity and learning, fostering a deeper sense of social responsibility among the youth, she added.
Referring to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s famous quote, Chancellor M Hoque motivated the children and said that ‘A dream is not what one sees in sleep, a dream is something that does not let someone sleep’. He welcomed all the children and participants in the event and urged the children to learn from all kinds of experiences during their stay at USTM.
The United Schools Organisation of India (1951), is one of the oldest NGOs in India, dedicated to nurturing the talents and potential of school students across India. It provides a platform for students to participate in a variety of educational and extracurricular activities, fostering holistic growth and promoting a sense of responsibility and leadership, all on a national level.