NAROTTAM NAGAR, May 20: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday proposed to Ramakrishna Mission School (RKMS) alumni here in Tirap district to partner with the government to build a state-of-the-art convention hall, befitting of the jubilee celebrations of institute gold.

Addressing a reunion of former students at the school, the CM said, “This room where we currently sit is lightly crowded for the growing number of students each year,” and urged former students to repay their alma mater by partnering with the state government in construction of the new convention hall.

Khandu said the state government is competent enough to authorize funds for the construction of the convention hall, but it is the duty of the alumni of the school, especially those who are now well-to-do citizens. , to repay.

“For every requirement, we turn to the government. Yes, the government is only there for that, but at the same time, we have to change our mentality. We have to ask ourselves what we are giving back to the institutions that made us who we are,” he said.

The CM has also assured to provide funds from its own pocket for the construction of the new congress hall. He assigned the responsibility of forwarding the proposal to former Chief Engineer Kenjum Ete and Chief Service Engineer S Sumnyan – both alumni of the school.

“With so many doctors, engineers, bureaucrats, businessmen and politicians like Minister of Education Taba Tedir (RKM Aalo), Speaker of the Legislative Assembly PD Sona (RKM Aalo), Minister of Agriculture Tage Taki (RKM Aalo), Minister of Information Technology Wangki Lowang (RKM Narottam Nagar) and several deputies past and present as alumni of the mission, the task to accomplish will not be a problem,” Khandu said.

He called on alumni and the educated lot of society to think along with mission authorities and come up with an appropriate plan for the development and expansion of the school, which was established in 1971.

“We are laggards in all areas. Thus, the educated and well-to-do of the first generation must contribute. Leaving everything to the government will not work,” he said.

Expressing surprise that the alumni meeting is being held for the first time on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the institute, Khandu advised members to meet annually or at least once every two years.

“The alumni association of any institution has a big role to play in the continued progress of their alma mater,” he added.

Wangki Lowang and Lok Sabha member Tapir Gao were also present on the occasion, along with district administration officials.

Khandu will visit the school on Saturday, accompanying union home minister Amit Shah. (PR cell of the CM)