SHILLONG:
Narrating his journey in St. Edmund’s College, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that college life taught him about the importance of attendance and time management, which he cherishes till date.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the centenary celebrations on November 5, he recalled that when he had appeared for the Selection test (Science) in 1996, he was called by the then principal Brother Shannon who gave him his mark sheet.
He had failed in all the subjects except for Khasi, however, Brother Shannon allowed him to fill the form because of Rymbui’s attendance.
Rymbui also recalled the time when he had appeared for the final examination but was late for an hour but Brother Shannon allowed him to write his exams anyway.
Learning from those mistakes, he said, “From that time till today, I try to be either on time or before time.”
He also said that he learned to be careful while recalling that there was a time when he missed writing an examination because he has the habit of not writing down the routine.
Rymbui then went on to narrate the entire incident to the audience on how he almost missed writing the general foundation course, not knowing that it is the last day of the examination.
The minister said Brother D’Souza was appealed earnestly by his friends and classmates until he was finally allowed to write for the examination.
Rymbui also called upon the students to have hope and look towards the future.
“Nothing is unimportant. Everything is important. So my dear friends, especially the student community, please have hope in life. Please walk towards your goal and prepare to have a dynamic mindset to change course and change direction if the situation warrants,” he advised.
The year-long centenary celebration of St Edmund’s College, Shillong commenced on November 5. Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration ceremony, Fr Paul Pudussery spoke about Edmund Ignatius Rice saying, “We celebrate today the world that inspired him to walk the pathless terrain of the Northeasterners, the gratitude…”
According to Pudussery, education will aid society in healing its many cracks. “The challenges, opportunities, and significant changes that are currently affecting higher education are unparalleled. Effective response from Edmund Rice leadership is required, as it has been in the past,” he said.
The chairman of Centenary Celebration, Bro EV Miranda said, “I express the expectation that each of us will play our role in ensuring that this centenary year is marked outstandingly by the college and that as a result, the college is well placed to launch on to the second century of its life.”
On the same day, students enthralled the audience with their cultural performances. Retired teaching staff, non-teaching staff were facilitated while a video tribute of deceased staff (in-service) was also presented to the audience.
The alumni of the college attending the centenary celebration were former chief secretary PBO Warjri, Union Public Service Commission Chairman David Reid Syiemlieh, MDC from Rambrai-Jyrngam Bajop Pyngrope among others.