Institute entitles award after Raj Bhavan victim

SHILLONG: In commemoration of the first death anniversary of Crystal Gayle Kharnaior, Riti Academy has instituted an award in her memory to recognise and acknowledge the excellence in various works of creative expression.
Kharnaior was one of the victims of the Raj Bhavan incident last year, where a massive tree crashed on a local cab leading to the death of three persons.
The simple ceremony was held at Mad Gallery where KN Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Rev Dominic Jala, Archbishop of Shillong Arch-diocese, PS Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, and filmmaker Dominic Sangma were present.
Recalling the ill-fated day, the additional chief secretary said he feels remorseful as he couldn’t save all the victims who were stuck in the taxi. “I was informed by my staff at Raj Bhavan about the mishap and (I) rushed to the spot. I tried to help the victims including Crystal Gayle. She happened to be the one who struggled the most.”
Further, Kumar lauded the effort of Riti Academy and appreciated the gesture of recognising talents among the youth through awards with incentive. The award was formally declared by the DC and conferred upon Skhemlang Hynniewta by Kumar and Jala.
The award is slated to be an annual affair with consecutive presentation on excellence in various activities of the academy.
The First Crystal Gayle Kharnaior Memorial Award was given for excellence in visual art.