JHADC Chief announces Rs 5 Lakh grant for Ummulong Presbyterian College on its 10th Foundation Day

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 1, 2023

On the 10th Foundation Day of Ummulong Presbyterian College, Chief Executive Member of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Thombor Shiwat on Saturday announced to donate Rs 5 lakh for the construction of the college building.

Ummulong Presbyterian College is situated in Ummulong village under Thadlaskein Block, about 15 KM from the district headquarters of Jowai in West Jaintia Hills. It holds the distinction of being the only college in Nartiang Constituency, represented by Sniawbhalang Dhar, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya.

The College is a certified institution registered under the Meghalaya Societies Registration Act XII of 1983. It was established on July 1, 2013, and is affiliated with Thomas Jones Synod College.

Initially, the college had two academic shifts, a day shift, and an evening shift. However, the evening shift was closed in the year 2018. Presently, the college offers courses only in the Arts stream, and the total number of students enrolled is 265.

In April 2021, NEHU conducted an official inspection to grant opening permission to the college. The inspection team was headed by Dr. DRL Nonglait. However, the college is still awaiting provisional affiliation from NEHU.

JHADC Chief Thombor Shiwat, speaking as the chief guest at the program held in the Youth Centre of Ummulong Presbyterian Church, announced to donate Rs 5 lakh to Ummulong Presbyterian College, funded by Fifteenth Finance Commission. The college is in dire need of a proper building for the smooth functioning of the college as it currently operates from the premises of Ummulong Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Ummulong.

Thombor Shiwat lauded the college and Ummulong Presbyterian Church, the sponsoring body, for their vision in transforming the education sector in the area. He expressed his appreciation for reaching the significant milestone of the college’s 10th Foundation Day and the dedication to moving forward with unwavering courage and conviction for the benefit of society.

Thombor highlighted the college’s significance in providing education to students from neighbouring villages and remote areas of the Nartiang Constituency, reducing the need for them to migrate to urban areas or cities to continue their studies.

He expressed gratitude to the Ummulong Dorbar Shnong for donating a vast land area of 10 acres, which is a significant contribution to society. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the governing body in managing the institute despite facing numerous hardships in securing funds to pay faculty salaries and develop the institute’s infrastructure.

Thombor encouraged both the teachers and students to maintain the college’s standards and continue their efforts with the same spirit in the forthcoming years.

Other speakers included the guest of honour, Jesse Suiam, a local MDC, the college’s Principal, Dr. AJ Lymba, Vice Principal, Idahun Shullai, Waheh Shnong Ummulong Dorbar Shnong, Leo Laloo and Briwon Pohshna, a member of the sponsoring body, among others.

The celebration was made grand with performances by the students, including a welcome song, cultural dance, and a cake-cutting ceremony by the chief guest.