SHILLONG: Governor Dr KK Paul on Sunday said that other than the government, development in the State can be brought about through the active participation of non – governmental organizations even as he laid emphasis on the need to follow the path shown by the great personalities like Sree Narayana Guru, who was a social reformer.
“It is our responsibility to come forward and work for development of the people of the state,” Dr Paul said adding that the concerted efforts in line with the path shown by the great personalities like Sree Narayana Guru would bring fruitful results very fast.
Dr Paul was addressing a gathering on the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre, Shillong (SNGCCS) and 159th birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru here in the city on Sunday.
Comparing Meghalaya with Kerala, the governor said the State had great geographical similarities to Kerala but it needs to do a lot to be at par in educational and socio – economic living standard. “And for this, a lot of work can be done by the non – governmental organizations in this sector,” he added.
Dr Paul also stressed on the need to propagated and carry forward the preaching and teachings of the great spiritual men like Swamis and Gurus adding that the reason for survival of India’s culture is owed to the message spread by these personalities.
Talking in today’s context, he stressed on Article 51A (i) of Constitution of India that states safeguarding of public property and to abjure violence.
A souvenir marking the 10th anniversary of SNGCCS was also released by the Governor on the occasion and the Governor also conferred Entrepreneurship and Social Service awards.
This year, the Entrepreneurship Award 2013 was conferred to Kristimai Kharbudnah – the founder and proprietor of ‘Kristy Soap Industry. She manufactures herbal soaps for treatment of skin diseases, body pain and dandruff.
The Social Service Award 2013 was conferred to Shima Modak, who is founder Principal of Shishu Shiksha Ghar, Shillong. She currently has about 350 children studying in the school, which are organized at various places to impart free education to children from economically weak background, comprising of rag – pickers, rescued children, domestic helpers among others.