By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: ISRO Young Scientists Merit Awardee for the year 2013, Jenita Mary Nongkynrih was felicitated by the Seng Bhalang ki Longkmie Mawlai Mawroh and Mawlai MLA/MDC Embhah Syiemlieh for her achievement and for emerging as the first woman from the state to be honoured with the prestigious award.
Nongkynrih who was awarded for her contribution to the project on National Urban Information System-10K for the NE region as the Principal Investigator, was felicitated at Mawlai Mawroh Community Hall here on Saturday.
She is the daughter of (L) C Myrthong and A Nongkynrih. She is the wife of OT Lyngwa and resident of Mawlai Mawroh. She did her primary schooling from St John Bosco Girl’s High School, Cherrapunjee, Secondary schooling from St. Mary’s HS School, and also completed her graduation from St. Mary’s College, Shillong before obtaining a Masters in Geography from NEHU.
At present she is working as a Scientist at the North Eastern Space Applications Centre, Umiam. She joined NESAC as a junior research fellow in NESAC in 2002 and became a scientist in 2004. She specialized in Urban Studies, Natural Resources Management and Disaster Management.
Citing the difficulties while conducting her research all over the north east, Jenita said road connectivity was the main problem for them at the same time, referred to insecurity as a challenge for the scientist to conduct their work in the sensitive parts of the region.
Home Minister Roshan Warjri, also a resident of Mawroh lauded Jenita for bringing laurel to the State and the region as a whole. “We are proud to have a woman of her stature and wisdom in our midst and the state needs more women like her to excel in every sphere,” she added.
Upholding the role of a woman in Matrilineal Meghalaya as ‘imperative’, Warjri said “The role of a woman in society is very important. At present, where women are seen excelling in every field of work, it is also important to note that she is also a home-maker who can bring the family together.”