Shillong (India). On 16 and 17 April 2026, the first edition of Skill Expo took place at Auxilium Nongthymmai in Shillong, an event involving the Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) of Immaculate Heart of Mary Province (INS), aimed at showcasing the creative results of the professional skills acquired by the students and presenting them to the community.
Under the theme “Where Talent Meets Opportunity,” the event was designed as a forum through which trainees could showcase the practical skills acquired in various professional disciplines by setting up various stands displaying their completed work.
Skill Expo 2026 was officially inaugurated by Mr. Winston Tony Lyngdoh, Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Member of the District Council (MDC) for Nongthymmai, who performed the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the commencement of a two-day event dedicated to talent and technical expertise.
Present were the three representatives from the localities of Nongthymmai, the INS Provincial, Sister Rosa Pyngrope, along with the Provincial Councilors, FMA Sisters, young people, trainers, trainees, and representatives from the various Vocational Training Centers of the Province.
The speakers at the inaugural ceremony praised the initiatives undertaken by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians aimed at imparting life skills, and urged the course participants to make the most of their talents and the opportunities available to them. The guests: Shri Donborlang Khongshei, Rangbah Shnong of Lumiablot, and Shri G. Langstieh, Director of the District Center for Commerce and Industry (DCIC)—underscored the pivotal role of vocational training in bridging the gap between education and employment. Furthermore, the DCIC Director outlined the programs available through the department and encouraged both the training Centers and the trainees to avail themselves of the benefits offered.
Sister Carmelina Sun, Provincial Vicar, highlighted the Province’s commitment to forming not only skilled workers but also responsible citizens, following the example of the co-foundress, Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello. Sister Garnet Sutnga, Coordinator of Social Development, warmly welcomed the participants with a message of welcome. Another moment that helped foster a family-like atmosphere was the performance of a Khasi song by Alice Navinia Kharkongor, who invited everyone to preserve the local cultural identity.
The participants were then able to visit the stands, where products were on display ranging from clothing design and tailoring to leatherworking and accessories, bag making, candle production, baking, computer-aided creations, and more. The exhibition remained open to the public the following day as well.
The second day was marked by a cultural moment during the closing ceremony, featuring a live performance by Jennyfa Nongbet and Alice Navinia Kharkongor, two young emerging artists.
At the conclusion of this “skills fair,” the first prize for the stand with the highest number of sales went to the Auxilium Training Centre in Khapmara; the second prize went to the Sacred Heart Convent in Mawlai; and the third prize went to Auxilium in Roilang Nongstoiñ. The Provincial, Sister Rosa Pyngrope, presented them with a certificate of merit and a special award.
