SHILLONG: A Khasi scientist, Tynjuh Hynniewta, who has brought laurels to the Khasi-Jaintia community and the State as a whole by being named among the World’s Top 100 Biodiversity Scientists, 2015, was felicitated by his clan members, Ka Kur Mei-Sin, consisting of seven clans, on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, he recounted his days as young a lad who had aimed to be a scientist. “Students should inculcate the spirit of competitiveness and make it to the top,” he said.
Speaking briefly on world climate change where he pointed out that back in his days the climate was cool, he said, “We need to do something about world climate change and it this case it is pertinent to plant more trees.”
He stated that some medicinal plants are found only in Meghalaya especially at the Mawphlang Sacred Groves.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, C.P. Marak, handed over a citation to the scientist and said, “Meghalaya has added another feather to its cap. After a self help group from Mawkyrnot village under Pynursla C&RD Block was conferred India Biodiversity Awards 2016, this time a scientist has been named in the Top 100 Biodiversity Scientists list.”
Speaking on the rich biodiversity found in Meghalaya, Marak said, “Famous botanists have come to explore the Northeastern region and found out that the Khasi Hills is a botanist’s paradise rich in animals and birds and is a hot spot of biodiversity. There is a need to preserve the traditions which have existed since times immemorial.”
He urged the young people present on the occasion to carry forward the tradition to maintain the village reserves, catchment areas and sacred forests.
