SHILLONG, June 11: The annual Vocational Service Awards of Rotary Club of Shillong, meant to recognise the silent diligence of some of the low-rung people, brought to the fore the steadfast services rendered by a traffic constable, a gardener, an “undertaker”, a street sweeper and health support staff.
Of all these unsung workers, the name Healingson Syiemlieh stands out.
A deaf and mute person overcoming his handicap and true to his name “Healingson”, he has been a great support to the Disability Centre attached to the Shillong Civil Hospital. His compassion for others of his kind is simply remarkable.
Another deserving awardee is Prakash Sunar, the operator of town’s only electric crematorium. Sunar has helped cremate over 1,500 dead in the past three years. But what goes beyond the cold statistics is the fact that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he risked his life to help dispose of scores of COVID-afflicted bodies and incinerated about a thousand PPEs and other medical wastes.
A humble but efficient traffic constable, Clifton Lewis Jyrwa was recognised for his exceptional dedication to the challenging task of keeping traffic flowing in the busy Mawlai roads. Jyrwa has been commended for his unruffled demeanor even at the point of provocation.
A government gardener, Hulash Rai was selected for his sustained effort at keeping the Phan Nonglait Park (formerly Lady Hydari Park) aesthetically appealing round the year with bedecked flower beds and tidy green lawns.
She is a street sweeper with a stark difference; Dianghun Khongriah of Mawlai has been conspicuous by her rare devotion to the task. She is one of the few who keeps the Wards Lake area clean seasons in and seasons out.
Handing over the awards, Director of NEIGRIHMS Prof Nalin Mehta eulogised Rotary for its professed object to uphold dignity of labour and recognition of those who go unnoticed.
The award carried Rs 20,000 in cash and a citation.
Among others who spoke on the occasion were officiating President David Umdor, Director Vocational Services Kiron Joshi and Manas Chaudhuri.
