GUWAHATI, Dec 28: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has adopted Jorbil, a village in the Baridua area of Ri-Bhoi district, with an aim to develop it into a “truly ideal village” within a year.
The university, located in the Baridua area, has taken the decision to bring about overall development to its neighbouring rural community, stated USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque on Tuesday after felicitating Ensath Sangma, the headman of Jorbil village, along with social and community development activists of the village on the occasion of Christmas and pre-New Year celebrations.
Altogether 15 activists, five women, five youths and five elderly persons, including Narahari Boro Das, a 102-year-old man of the village, were honoured during the programme organised by the department of social work and NSS Cell, USTM.
The women are small-scale entrepreneurs who motivate other women to come forward. The youth activists were selected on the basis of their performance in education and sports.
Students of USTM also prepared a Christmas cake and presented songs and prayers for the villagers.
Addressing a community gathering at the Church field of Jorbil village, Hoque said that USTM has always been ready to work for the benefit of the villagers living in the locality.
“We are providing free education to the children of the village. The village must reflect the contribution of USTM in all developmental fronts. At the same time, we have to also work for the environment,” he added.
He further welcomed the villagers to collaborate with USTM and engage themselves in entrepreneurial work and sports activities.
Speaking on the occasion, the village headman expressed his gratitude to Hoque and USTM for helping the village and its people.
“The villagers are grateful as the children, women and men folk of the village have always been welcomed by the university for help and support in different developmental activities,” he said.
