Editor,
Apropos the letter by J.S. Kharkongor (ST Oct 22, 2015) we are touched by the words of encouragement and recognition of our sincere efforts to promote and preserve our heritage weaves and crafts by putting Meghalaya and our weaving community on the global fashion map. It has been a long and challenging journey till date but with the constant love and support of family, well wishers and supporters of our vision, we continue to move ahead. It is no easy feat coming from remote North-East and making a name in the national and international fashion industry, especially, all the while ensuring that we carry the mantle of our indigenous weaving community and make our hand-woven fabrics the focal point in all our works and shows. Using our own limited resources-financial, manpower and infrastructure-we have been working towards reviving the use of hand-woven fabrics from Meghalaya into contemporary designer-wear, thereby promoting and preserving traditional handloom fabrics that aid in sustaining and encouraging weavers to preserve their dying craft. With our presence in the prestigious fashion weeks of the country there was a renewed interest in these fabrics. We were being approached and selected for worldwide events. This is when we turned towards the State Government for financial assistance, which we have received on a couple of occasions. Nevertheless, we definitely would welcome more support and assistance from our State Government.
The Department of Sericulture and Weaving and the Arts and Culture Department, Government of Meghalaya have extended their support towards our company. We are sponsored fabric and given financial assistance for a couple of our international shows which has helped us tremendously and also motivated us to go the extra mile. The Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma, felicitated us at Creative Encounters’ 18 Degrees Festival presented by Government of Meghalaya, Department of Arts & Culture in 2014, in recognition of our effort to promote Ryndia. This was a huge milestone for us and we are grateful for this honour and felicitation.
We respect Kharkongor’s views that the State Government can and should be more supportive towards local entrepreneurs and invest in the pool of local talent available in the State in various fields, with faith and trust. This would definitely support a lot of us- designers, artists and entrepreneurs- to host and participate in worthwhile events and bring laurels to our State. At Daniel Syiem’s Ethnic Fashion House we have been consistently collaborating with talents in our State, be it for music for our shows, local and traditional jewellery, textile designers etc. We welcome any local artist, individual or organisation whose aim is to promote and preserve our arts, crafts and culture to collaborate with us for taking North East to the world. After all, we believe in Fashion with a Cause!
Yous etc.,
Daniel Syiem & Janessaline Pyngrope,
Daniel Syiem’s Ethnic Fashion House,
Shillong
Pathetic condition of road on NH-51.
Editor,
The NH-5l runs from Paikan to Dalu via Tura. The widening and repairing of the road, especially Assam portion ( from Paikan to Berubari) is very good up to Aguragre (near Asanang). The damage to the road due to flash flood/landslides etc, during Sept 2014 has also been repaired except for the entire stretch from Aguragre to Asanang, the condition of which is really pathetic. One would experience this while journeying from Tura to Guwahati. I wonder what actually happened to this portion and why it is left unrepaired for so long? Who is the contractor and why are not the so called babus of PWD of NH-Division, Tura taking action against this contractor? I have never seen any JE, SDO, and Executive Engineer busy on the road to inspect and supervise the works except for the Road Mohori (Sectional Assistant) who is busy filling up the potholes on this NH Road. On seeing this, one can guess that work culture of the PWD (Roads) has simply deteriorated. The roads and bridges are actually being constructed, repaired as per the whims and fancies of the contractors and Road Mohori who are non-technical. This is one of the reasons why accidents are taking place especially on the portion of the road from Rari to Jengjal. Lastly, I appeal to the GSU and various NGOs to raise their voices together for cause of the development of this region in particular and the State in general.
Yours etc.,
Kearson Sangma,
Tura.
Tura’s approach road
Editor,
Tura is a beautiful hilly town from where one can enjoy the greenery surrounding the mighty Tura hills and smaller hills surrounding it. The Ganol river which one can see while coming to Tura is boon to the people of this town. But what saddens me is the narrow, unrepaired and bad condition of the approach road to this town. If the approach road from Rongram to Tura-Chandmary, can be widened and repaired beautifully, I think it would add to the beauty of this town. Right now, the said portion of the road is no different from a village road and is not fit at all to be the road to the most important town of Garo Hills Districts. This road cannot be compared with the internal roads at Ampati – the headquarter of the infant South West Garo Hills District. I would therefore request the District Administrators, Officers, Engineers of the department and also the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, to do something for the improvement of this approach road at the earliest. That would add to the beauty of this hilly town.
Yours etc.,
Kearson Sangma,
Tura.