Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her four-day trip to Meghalaya with a visit to the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra. She paid homage at the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda and was shown the weaving training program for women. Swami Anuragananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, shared that the Minister was keen to understand the mission’s history and activities. She expressed interest in the women entrepreneurs and the school’s empowerment programs, and also enquired about notable alumni. Dignitaries, including Kong Theilin Phanbuh, were present. The visit celebrated the school’s centenary, and Sitharaman planted a sapling.
Earlier, Sitharaman visited the living root bridges in Siej Village and interacted with villagers involved in the Payment for Ecosystem Services program. She praised their preservation of traditional knowledge. She also noted the community’s efforts to obtain UNESCO heritage status. In Laitkynsew Village, she engaged with Women SHGs and FPOs and lauded the Meghalaya government’s efforts. During her visit, Sitharaman also laid the foundation stone for development projects in Shillong and inaugurated a multi-facility shopping complex.