Gram sevika, Khasi writer among others awarded

SHILLONG: Several unsung heroes of the State were awarded on the occasion of Sree Narayana Guru’s 162nd birth anniversary at Asom Kristi Kendra here on Saturday.
Four awards were given away on the occasion. Amily Changmai received Sree Sree Narayana Guru Social Service Award, 2016, from Nongthymmai legislator Jemino Mawthoh for her selfless dedication to the cause of the underprivileged rural populace in Meghalaya.
Changmai, who is from Assam, is working as a Gram Sevika at Kasturba Gram Seva Centre, Laitkroh, for the past 45 years in this backward village on the way to Cherrapunjee. From attending healthcare needs to running a weaving unit and a crèche for the village children, Changmai has given her everything to the cause of the people of her village.
GK Sasidharan, former VC, University of Calicut, conferred Sree Narayana Guru Literary Award, 2016, on Sweetymon Rynjah for keeping the lamp of original Khasi tradition and ways of life lighted through her mighty pen. She has made unparallel contribution to Seng Khasi Literature, having written several rare books in the language, besides being a poet of repute whose compositions find space in The Seng Khasi Song Books.
Local bamboo architect Bandabiang Dewkhaid got Sree Narayana Guru Entrepreneurship Award, 2016, and former chief secretary H.W.T Syiem gave away the award. Dewkhaid has founded Shillong Bamboo, a collection of eco-friendly products, and has been a role model for the youth of the society to take up entrepreneurship.
He is also producing modern bamboo furniture and has given shape to several theme-based bamboo structures at prestigious state and national-level events. He is also helping several local youth get employment.
Sasidharan was conferred with Sree Narayana Guru Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016, by Speaker A.T Mondal for his contributions to science and literature. He is a renowned national scientist and an acclaimed scholar, who has written for prestigious scientific journals and authored bestsellers. Sasidharan will also deliver several lectures / talks at several educational institutions here in the city till September 28.
Meanwhile, Methos Umbah, an eri silk (ryndia) weaver from Korhadem village in Ri Bhoi was felicitated on the occasion with a sleigh machine sponsored by city-based psychiatric duo Pakha and Sonali Tesia. Delis Muktieh and Janumai Tmungpih, also from Korhadem village, were also felicitated. SNGCC had recently visited the village to learn about the livelihood of the silk weavers there.
The function ended with the release of SNGCC biannual publication ‘Oneness’, a multilingual audio CD ‘Daivadasakam’ and a cultural programme.