Tura:
The centenary celebration of Christian Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Tura, came to a close on Saturday in the school premises. The function was by generations of alumni, former headmistresses and teachers and other dignitaries.
The school was officially opened in the year 1881-1882 with the help of Miriam Russell and was kept alive by the efforts of American Baptist missionaries.
In 1920, it became an institution exclusively for girls after its bifurcation. The school had planned a year-long celebration of hundred years since its foundation after the opening ceremony, which took place in 2020. However, the plans could not be carried out due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Selsella MLA Ferlin CA Sangma, who was the guest of honour for the function, reiterated the history of the school and expressed gratitude for the various missionaries responsible for its establishment. She stated, “Our school has taught us not only in terms of academics, but development in all aspects of life. It has taught us how to be individuals who can give back to the society.” She added that everyone can witness the richness of education that the school imparts across Garo Hills, which has helped in the development of the Garo society. From the way they walk, to the way they write, students of the school are taught even the smallest lessons which might seem pointless initially but are of great help as adults, she said.
Retired principals, teachers and various achievers were felicitated in the function. It was followed by prize distributions for the year-long activities conducted as part of the jubilee celebrations.
Alumnus Thomas A Sangma, Chief Adviser to Chief Minister, stated that the vision and mission of the institution is yet to be fulfilled completely. “What the former visionaries started years back, we have to take it forward in the form of higher and better education for the people of Garo Hills,” he said. He stated that he is happy to be part of and help with future endeavors of the institution including the new degree college which is set to start from the coming academic year. “Let us work harder to create a center for better learning with the very same vision that the missionaries had in mind when they started this institution,” he added.