During her visit to Meghalaya, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, visited the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra, marking the end of her four-day trip. She offered tributes at the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda. She observed the vocational training programs, particularly the free weaving training for around 100 women. According to Swami Anuragananda, the Minister was eager to learn about the mission’s history and current endeavors. She was deeply impressed by the empowerment initiatives and showed interest in meeting the women entrepreneurs. She also learned about the school’s notable alumni, including former Chief Minister Bah B.B. Lyngdoh. The school’s President, Kong Theilin Phanbuh, was among the welcoming dignitaries. The visit celebrated the school’s 100-year anniversary. Sitharaman planted a tree sapling as part of her visit.
Before the school visit, the Minister visited the living root bridge in Siej Village, where she spoke with village elders and participants of the Payment for Ecosystem Services program. She commended the community’s efforts to preserve traditional knowledge and sustainable methods. She acknowledged the community’s efforts to obtain UNESCO heritage status for the bridges, underscoring the international importance of their practices. She also visited Laitkynsew Village and engaged with Women SHGs and Farmer Producer Organizations. During her visit, she expressed her appreciation for the Meghalaya government’s work in implementing central and state schemes. Furthermore, she inaugurated the first multi-facility Shopping Complex in Shillong and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore.