Nirmala Sitharaman’s four-day visit to Meghalaya culminated in a visit to the historic Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra. She honored Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda with floral tributes and observed the women’s weaving training program. According to Swami Anuragananda, the Minister expressed keen interest in the mission’s history and operations and was deeply moved by the empowerment initiatives. She also enquired about the school’s distinguished alumni, including Bah B.B. Lyngdoh. The visit coincided with the school’s centenary. Sitharaman planted a sapling during her visit.
Before the school visit, Sitharaman explored the living root bridges in Siej Village, interacting with villagers involved in the Payment for Ecosystem Services program. She commended their preservation of traditional knowledge and practices. She also recognized the community’s efforts to secure UNESCO heritage status. She also visited Laitkynsew Village, where she met with Women SHGs and FPOs and acknowledged the Meghalaya government’s implementation of central and state schemes. Further, Sitharaman inaugurated Shillong’s first multi-facility Shopping Complex and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore.