Shillong, Oct 14: A century-old institution that began as an orphanage in 1926 became a stage for a message of unity on Wednesday, as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma celebrated 100 years of the Meghalaya Hindu Mission at Mawprem.
Attending the centenary as chief guest, Sangma hailed the Mission’s philanthropic legacy and said true secularism lies in service.
“We should love our community, but never hate others,” he told the gathering, adding that organisations dedicated to serving people foster mutual respect across generations.
Ministers Sanbor Shullai and Paul Lyngdoh were also present.
Sangma said the strength of Meghalaya and the Northeast has always rested on mutual respect, noting that his government in the last eight years has worked for all citizens, irrespective of community.
“Every community is part of Meghalaya’s social fabric. Every religion shares a common message of service and brotherhood,” he said, welcoming the participation of indigenous communities in the celebration.
“Our faiths may express devotion differently, but they teach the same values — compassion, honesty and standing by those in need,” he added.
Urging youth to carry the spirit beyond the celebration, he said: “Let us make unity in diversity a way of life.”
Founded as Hindu Sammelan Anath Ashram, the Mission set out to shelter orphans, run schools and libraries, fight untouchability and train women in weaving, knitting and tailoring for self-reliance.
In a rare example of shared space, the Mission has over the years ceded about 27,425 sq ft of its land for community use — including 14,500 sq ft for Mawprem Presbyterian Church and 4,755 sq ft for road widening. It still holds about 1.48 lakh sq ft.
Its Homes for Boys and Girls at Lower Mawprem are now registered Child Care Institutions under the Juvenile Justice Act, providing shelter, food, education and medical care to vulnerable children with support from the Social Welfare Department.
