SPEAKING IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE, or just appearing in front of one, can feel daunting sometimes. Stage fear is a peculiar feeling that many of us have surely dealt with. Witnessing the expansive crowd in front of you, all while keeping track of your thoughts and what are you going to say in front of them, can hinder even the most confident individual from expressing themselves clearly on stage. But, sometimes all you need is some reassurance and a little bit of encouragement. In a heartwarming exchange, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K. Sangma offered comfort to a female student who was visibly nervous whilst asking him a question, and imparted a little bit of wisdom about self-belief. The CM’s conduct and his exchange with the student has drawn the attention of social media, with a video clip of the exchange gaining traction online.

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Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma Comforts Nervous Student On-Stage, Offers Advise

At the Pine Mount School in Shillong, Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma was in attendance during the inauguration of the Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy, the “She Thrives” initiative — a state-sponsored program to improve health, sanitation, and dignity for female students — and a newly developed boarding facility.

As part of the interactive session, a female student was called upon to the stage to converse with CM Sangma. The visibly flustered student muttered her name, clearly nervous, and started asking him a question. Sangma took notice of the student’s unease, and prompted her to relax and turn her back towards the audience to directly speak to him. She then asked the Chief Minister how people should pick themselves up and move forward when life becomes difficult and hope begins to fade.

Once the student finished her question, the Chief Minister gently patted her on the shoulder and called upon the crowd to give her a round of applause. Replying to the student’s question, Sangma remarked that there is no universal answer to this query that will suit everyone. He continued that if you’re doing something that you truly believe in or are truly passionate about, you don’t give up. Because you know you want to do it no matter what comes your way, continued Sangma. Concluding his answer, he gave one simple piece of wisdom: believe in yourself. 

Sangma’s response earned him a round of applause from the event attendees, and he then quietly comforted the nervous student yet again by hugging her. 

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Social Media Reacts To Meghalaya CM Comforting Nervous Student

Meghalaya CM Sangma’s comportment and the way he comforted the nervous student and calmly handled the situation has become the point of online discussion. Social media users are awed by CM Sangma’s action, how he not only helped the student in overcoming her nervousness but also gave a small lesson about believing in oneself. 

Many users commended Sangma on his actions, and remarked that this short exchange will likely have a positive impact on the student in her coming years. “God bless you Sir. She will never forget this for her entire life,” one user commented.  “And that's how a leader needs to be,” wrote another. “This is how human beings lift up other human beings,” a third commented.

One social media user likened CM Sangma’s conduct to that of the character of Professor John Keating in the 1998 American film “Dead Poets Society.” John Keating is a famous fictional figure who encouraged his students to pursue their ambitions and be their best selves in the film, something that the social media user found reflected in CM Sangma. The user commented “O Captain, My Captain,” making an ode to the classic film.

(Edited by Agniva Ray)

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