Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma hands over a laptop to a topper in the SSLC examination at U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong on Saturday. Picture by UB Photos

Shillong, Dec. 3: Meritorious students were today given laptops by the Meghalaya government at the U Soso Tham Auditorium here. Not only were learners from city schools honoured, some from far-flung areas were also rewarded for their academic excellence.

A total of 126 students, who topped in the secondary and higher secondary examinations held this year, were rewarded with laptops by the department of information and technology.

The award ceremony, labelled as the Meghalaya IT Awards for Meritorious Students 2011, was graced by chief minister Mukul Sangma, information technology department minister A.L. Hek and others.

The students belonged to the Meghalaya Board of School Education, ICSE, CBSE and ISC schools.

This was the fifth year that the department rewarded meritorious students with laptops.

While a majority of the students belonged to St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, those from distant areas like Nongstoin (West Khasi Hills), Dalu (West Garo Hills), Amlarem and Shangpung (Jaintia Hills), Williamnagar (East Garo Hills) and Mawjrong (East Khasi Hills) also shared the stage with their city counterparts.

Donald P. Wahlang, commissioner and secretary (information technology department) also acknowledged that this year more students from the rural hinterland have featured in the list of achievers.

Another heartening moment was when Fernando Lawai, a visually impaired student of Jyoti Sroat School, who secured 62 per cent in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination, walked up to the podium to collect his laptop from Sangma.

Speaking on the occasion, Sangma exhorted students to strive hard to achieve their dreams and to bring the best out of them.

“Your achievement is not confined to you alone. Even those who are around you will get encouraged by your success,” Sangma said.

Speaking on behalf of the meritorious students, SSLC topper Markyntisuk Lyngdoh Nonglait said, “Success is not attained in a day. It is a journey that requires a lot of hard work.”

Encouraging other students, Markyntisuk said, “Aim high, dream big and be the best person you can be.”

Last year, a total of 107 students received similar awards.