SHILLONG, Feb 22: Former Health Minister and Pynthorumkhrah MLA, AL Hek, on Tuesday lauded the Martin Luther Christian University for its initiatives in improvement of the health sector of the region while creating employability through capacity building, training programmes and the fellowship programmes at the same time.
Hek was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Science and Technology Innovation (STI) Hub, funded by the Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development Division (SEED), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and implemented by MLCU in Umsawli.
Others who were present during the inauguration of the STI Hub were Principal Investigator Dr Melarishisha Nongrum, Rangbah Shnong Mawput Pyllun, R Kharkongor, Vice Chancellor, Prof TK Kharbamon, Registrar Dr Iwamon WJ Laloo, board members Patricia Mukhim, TTC Marak and T Mark, besides faculty and students of the university.
The STI Hub has been launched as part of a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, titled ‘Development of Science and Technology innovation Hub: Utilisation and Adaption of Traditional Knowledge, Resources and Technological Advances in Post-Harvest Management and Nutrition for Empowering Children, Women and Youth in Tribal Meghalaya’.
The fellowship programme of STI Hub is called “Get Launched”; it intends to help the youths, especially those from the rural areas, in food production and entrepreneurship.
Through this project 10 micro-processing units will be set up in Ri-Bhoi district.
The Hub uses green technology such as solar dehydrator and black and grey water recycling system, a system which recycles lab waste and faecal waste and is also the first of its kind to be used in Meghalaya. The day also marked the 16th Foundation Day of the university. In regard to this, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. TK Kharbamon, in her address, recalled the growth of the university since its inception to its present day.