CM urges RKM alumni to ‘payback’ to alma mater

ITANAGAR, May 20: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged the alumni of Ramakrishna Mission School (Narottam Nagar), which turns 50 this year, to associate with the State government to build a modern convention hall that suits the occasion, as a payback initiative.

Attending the Alumni Meet of the Ramakrishna Mission School, Narottam Nagar at Deomali in Tirap district this evening, the CM made a proposal to the alumni of the school – partner with the government to construct a state-of-the-art convention hall befitting the institute’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

“This hall we are sitting in now is a little congested for the growing number of students each year. As a pay-back to your alma mater are you all ready to contribute in construction of a new convention hall in partnership with the state government?” he asked to a thunderous roar of ‘yes’.

Khandu explained that the state government is competent enough to sanction funds for the construction but it is the duty of the alumni of the school, especially those who are now well-to-do citizens, to pay back.

“For every requirement we look up to the government. Yes, the government is there for that only but at the same time, we need to change our mindset. We need to ask what we are giving back to the institutions that made us what we are,” he observed.

Though not an alumnus of the school, Khandu assured to donate for construction of the new convention hall from his personal sources.

To take the proposal forward and to a logical conclusion, Khandu gave the responsibility to two chief engineers, one retired and one still serving the state government – Kenjum Ete and S Sumnyan– both alumni of RKM Narottam Nagar.

With so many doctors, engineers, bureaucrats, businessmen and politicians like Education Minister TabaTedir (RKM Aalo), State Assembly Speaker P D Sona and Agriculture Minister Tage Taki (all RKM Aalo), IT Minister Wangki Lowang (RKM Narottam Nagar) and several erstwhile and present day MLAs as alumni of the Mission, Khandu observed the task at hand (construction of the convention hall) will not be an issue.

While expressing surprise that the RK Mission Alumni meet is being held for the first time on the institute’s 50th year of inception, Khandu advised the members to meet annually or at least once in two years.

“The alumni association of any institution has a great role to play in further progress of their alma mater,” he added.

Wangki Lowang and Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao were also present on the occasion along with officials of the district administration.

Khandu will be revisiting the school on Saturday accompanying Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is the chief guest of the school’s golden jubilee celebrations. (CMO)