Moolamylliang: A ray of hope that slithers through the silhouette of greenery

SHILLONG, Dec 19: Christmas is a festival of hope, particularly for this village in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya as it intent on using this occasion to renew its relationship with nature.
Moolamylliang village, under Sutnga Elaka has been trying to rejuvenate the environment, which has suffered the worst brunt from coal mining in the past several decades. The village leaders have the vision and foresight to and focus on other sustainable forms of livelihood like tourism.
On Saturday last Moolamylliang, which is also one of the model villages, opened its doors to the public, inviting them to witness the display of different shades of light strings – an extravagant display compared to the previous years.
Moolamylliang wore a green and pleasant look in the morning and a bright and warm look in the evening. Thanks to the efforts of the headman, Apmon Pachiang and his Committee, who took the initiative of beautifying the village and planting trees to wean away people from coal mining to tourism.
“It is an auspicious festival as we await the birth of our King of Peace, which is why we have decided to live in peace with the environment. This Christmas, let us celebrate in the spirit of freedom and not be tied up as slaves. A Merry Christmas to all,” Pachiang said.
The grand opening of the Christmas celebration on this day was also witnessed by the Chairman of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (JHADC), Dr Sankey Shangpung, Deputy Commissioner East Jaintia Hills SS Syiemlieh, Dr R Toi of Sutnga CHC, besides others.
To make the celebration more special, the village decorated all the trees that have been planted in the last three years and also the surroundings in line with the 50th Statehood celebration of Meghalaya.
A map of Meghalaya was carved out using the support of the trees where a logo of the 50th statehood celebration was also displayed.
“It is really beautiful. The map that you see here can also be called a natural map as it was framed with the help of trees. I extend my best wishes to the residents of this village and, I hope that this village leaves its imprint not only on the state and the country but the whole world,” the JHADC Chairman Dr Sankey Shangpung said.
Shangpung has also invited the citizens of Meghalaya to visit Moolamylliang village and witness this grand and extravagant display of lights during this Christmas season. This display will remain until January 2, 2022.