The Rotary Club of Shillong has decided to hold “Walkathon” in early June this year with a view to raising funds for a vehicle to carry dead-bodies. Explaining the object, Mr R. S. Goenka, a senior member of the club told a meeting of the leading residents of Shillong recently that it was a common experience of the people that deadbodies were difficult to remove from one place to another since most of the transport operators were reluctant to carry a dead body in their vehicles. The plight of the rural people corning for treatment in Shillong was all the greater. The Rotary Club had therefore, decided to raise fund for an exclusive vehicle for carrying the dead.
The Meghalaya Power Minister, Mr Grosswell Mylliemngap, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that it was a “commendable” project since it would fulfill a long-felt need of the people of Meghalaya. He called upon all sections of people to contribute their mite for the cause.
Among others who spoke on the occasion were, Mr D N Joshi MLA, and Mr J P Goenka President Meghalaya chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to the organizers, the route for the proposed Walkathon will be from Shillong to Barapani and back. Efforts are on to invite dignitaries including the Governor and the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya, to join the walk. This is the fourth Walkathon of the Rotary Club. On the earlier occasions, assistance was provided to the Leprosy Colony at Nongpoh, Nazareth Hospital, KJP Hospital (Robert’s), Ramakrishna _Mission and cobalt therapy unit for cancer patients.