Tura (Meghalaya), April 21: The Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education celebrated 25 years Monday as the North East’s first institute for training special educators, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma calling its founding a bold step that changed attitudes toward disability.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee at Montfort Centre for Education in Danakgre, Sangma recalled that his father, late P. A. Sangma, inaugurated the college building 25 years ago when “there was not a single training institute for special education in the entire North East.” He said Montfort’s decision to start then was challenging because “nobody had done it before,” but it became the region’s pioneer.
“The biggest change required in society is a change in mindset,” the Chief Minister said, adding that Montfort saw special education as an opportunity to serve when many viewed it as a burden. “We should never let a person’s physical condition, their challenges, or their economic background affect the way we treat them.”
Sangma linked the Centre’s work to the Government’s MOTHERS programme, which integrates health, education, rural development, and social welfare with mothers at the centre of transformation. He said faith-based institutions like the Catholic Church have long followed a similar approach and urged stronger partnerships. “We are ultimately working for the same people and the same cause.”
The event was attended by Bishop Andrew R. Marak, Guest of Honour Rev. Bro. Dr. Maria Soosai, and Special Guest Rev. Bro. Dr. V. K. George. Both guests acknowledged Montfort’s role in inclusive education and teacher training over 25 years.
Started through the efforts of Bro. John Baptist in 1985, the Centre launched its formal school in 1995 and began integrated education in 1996. The Teacher Training College opened in 1999 and has since trained over 600 special education teachers from across the region, with courses recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Today, over 200 children with disabilities study in Montfort’s mainstream school with more than 1,000 students, while separate schools cater to the visually impaired, hearing impaired, and intellectually impaired. The Centre received the National Award for Best Inclusive Educational Practices in 2018 and the Meghalaya Day Award in 2020.
The celebration featured cultural performances by trainees and ended with the National Anthem in Indian Sign Language.
