Touch of Alzheimer’s
At a recent function in a city hospital, chief adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Mr DD Lapang while delivering his speech wanted to refer to the speaker before him, the editor of Meghalaya’s hottest selling English daily but just could not recall the name of the person. He had to be prompted by someone from the audience. Mr Lapang chuckled saying that old age was getting the better of his memory.
And then at the recent pre-budget exercise, the eccentric octogenarian, Hoping Stone Lyngdoh asked to speak. When his turn came he had to be awakened from his slumber by a fellow MLA.
The Lion of the West had only one agenda, “Lets strengthen our police force and wage a war against Assam,” he said adding, “We cannot have a budget discussion when we do not know our territory”.
Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma reminded the elderly MLA that he was part of the Assembly resolution for a peaceful solution of the boundary issue but Mr Hoping Stone Lyngdoh was deaf to the world.
Juicy Governor
The inaugural session of the 20th National Conference of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Association of India OPAI at NEIGRIHMS on February 14 had some lighter moments.
The announcer who evidently does not know the State Chief Secretary, WMS Pariat welcomed him to the dais when he was not present at the function. Later after lighting the ceremonial lamp, the announcer asked all to stand and bow their heads as if in prayer so that the conference would benefit the people. But after the lamp was lit the guests returned to their respective seats on the dais.
Chief Guest, Meghalaya Governor, RS Mooshahary looked curious and whispered to his neighbor the Guest of Honour, Deputy Chief Minister, BM Lanong that since all were standing they should do so too. Just as the duo were on their feet the announcer said, “Thank you all very much”.
Lanong in speech welcomed the audience who had gathered from all over the country and abroad. He said, “The name ‘Scotland of the East’ was given by a Scottish. Though I have not been to Scotland, I don’t know whether Scotland is like Shillong or vice versa,” amidst laughter.
Governor Mooshahary in his speech said, “First of all I would like to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day, particularly the students who must be itching to send messages to their friends.” This drew a round of applause from all. A surprised student from North India said, “Raseela Hain Yeh, Governor” (This Governor is juicy).
Ideal Sportsperson
Saptarshi, a student of Class IX (St Edmund’s School) is a big football fan. He even predicted that Spain would emerge victorious in the last Edition of Football World Cup.
However, he could not believe that he would be traveling with none other than Baichung Bhutia when he boarded a Spicejet Airline from Kolkata after spending his winter vacation with his grandparents in the city of joy.
While Saptarshi was seated, he saw the footballer putting his luggage inside the cargo hold. He was caught by surprise when Bhutia took the seat alongside him and traveled the whole distance between Kolkata and Guwahati together. They talked about the game of football.
Baichung asked him several about his favourite sport, favourite footballer, where he plays football and which is his favourite team. The student replied football is his favourite sport, Frank Lampard is his favourite player. He said he plays football at school and English Club Chelsea is his favourite team.
As they approached Guwahati Saptarshi came to know that the footballer is going to Guwahati for some personal work. Finally before bidding goodbye, the footballer asked him where he studies. For the wide-eyed Saptarshi it was an experience of a lifetime to travel alongside a football legend. Saptarshi captured Bhaichung on his mobile camera.
Book Exhibition
The recent five day Book Exhibition at All Saint’s Hall by The Standard Literature Co. (P) Ltd. Was quite a treat for book lovers.
Standard Literature displayed ‘The Britannica Encyclopedia’, a 32 volume set which was on offer in three sets, Micropedia – for ready reference, Macropedia – for details and Propedia – how to use the Encyclopedia. Also on display were Britannica books on world leaders, philosophers and what have you.
The company manager said that Shillong has literary people who have expect the company to provide them the books of their choice.
The exhibition also had books on Picasso, Dali, New and Old Testament, Paintings, Religions and other. Students interested in animals and plants, thronged the exhibition. There are also books on Wildlife, Aquatic Encyclopedia, Animal & Plant Anatomy too, besides books on Gardening, Applied Technology and Science as the company’s books are mainly imported and cater to the larger section of the society.
The Britannica Student Encyclopedia which is in demand in schools and colleges was on display here for the first time. The Ipad and internet has not deterred the company’s sales figures.
The manager confidently said that people still consider books like Britannica Encyclopedia a prized possession.