SHILLONG: Unsung personalities were felicitated and awarded for their efforts as part of the 165th birth anniversary of mystic saint, philosopher, and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru on Sunday.
The programme was organised by city-based socio-cultural organisation, Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre (SNGCC) during its 16th annual celebration here at the Oneness Center in Jingkieng.
The vice-chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, SK Srivastava attended the programme as the chief guest along with principal secretary, Government of Meghalaya, DP Wahlang and Regional Director, ICCR, N Munish Singh as guests of honour.
The general secretary of Central Puja Committee, JL Das was awarded with the Sree Narayana Guru Social Service Award for sustaining the minority institutions in the state and for his commitment to reinforce the secular fabric through regular engagement aimed at building communal harmony and amity among all sections of people, belonging to different faith and religion.
The Sree Narayana Guru Education/Literary Award was conferred to Wersini Hynniewta for her efforts in starting the Kyrdon Morning Secondary School in her home at Nongkseh Pyrda in Upper Shillong.
Her school is also providing counseling and medical check-ups to youths suffering from addiction.
Wersini is also the headmistress of Sanshnong Secondary School in Upper Shillong. Known all over for his efforts in providing quality child healthcare through his venture, The Children’s Hospital proprietor, Dr. Debashish Das was awarded the Sree Narayana Guru Entrepreneurship Award.
His healthcare facility in Pohkseh has also created several job opportunities and is an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Sree Narayana Guru Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to VK Mohamed for his successful entrepreneurial venture, Sanmathi Enterprises based in Bhilai, Chattisgarh.
He is also a social worker and film producer.
Mohamed, who is the President of Universal Confederation of Sree Narayana Guru Organizations, New Delhi – an apex body of Sree Narayana Guru Organizations in the country and abroad – was also honoured for his commitment in disseminating the teachings and philosophies of Sree Narayana Guru through engagements aimed at building communal harmony and amity among all sections of people, belonging to different faiths and religions.
There were also certain reservations from a few members of the organisation over the nominees for the Sree Narayana Guru Lifetime Achievement Award.
Many were of the opinion that the award should have ideally been given to an individual from the region.