For 5th MLP Batallion, it’s celebration far from home

SHILLONG: After 5 years of their posting, the personnel of the 5th MLP Battalion celebrated their first ever advance Christmas party at New Delhi recently.
The celebration of advance Christmas in Delhi started off colorfully with prayer services and other cultural programmes. The presence of other people of Meghalaya, staying in Delhi along with Rev. Mrs Laida Sangma of the Delhi Christian Fellowship (DACF) made the celebration more meaningful and a grand success.
The programme commenced with Bible reading and a prayer along with sermon by Rev of the DACF, singing of Christmas carol, a speech from Commandant of the Battalion FG Kharshiing, IPS, followed by Cultural Programme where the BN personnel took part and showed their various talent.
The evening concluded with a feast where various eatable items were served including Khasi and Garo dishes.
The Commandant of this Unit in his speech inspired the personnel to perform our duties no matter how far we are from our love ones in the true spirit in order to keep the prestige of our State and that the spirit of Christmas should always be in our hearts.
He also reminded the personnel that we can also worship God by doing our duty sincerely and with love.
Meanwhile, seventeen youth of the Choral Evangelists from Mawlai under the leadership of Fr. Barnes Mawrie were invited to Jharkhand for a Cultural Exchange Programme which was held in Ranchi on December 17 and in Loordipa on December 20.
The Programme was co-ordinated by Dr Z Baxla, founder of Loordipa, an educational institution that promotes the Kurukh language of the Oraons and their culture.
The Choir group from Mawlai performed many Khasi songs in the presence of over a thousand people. With their traditional Khasi costumes they were able to showcase the richness of Khasi culture.
The Oraon students on their part performed their exquisite traditional dances. The programme also included interactions among people of the two cultures. This programme is the first attempt organized by Loordipa in collaboration with Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Mawlai in order to initiate a National Tribal Integration.