SHILLONG, March 13: Women achievers hailing a wide range of fields were recognised and felicitated on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Late Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister for Health and later External Affairs. The initiative was taken up by the Meghalaya State BJP Mahila Morcha.
The function was organised at the seminar Hall State Central Library where Minister for Veterinary etc., AL Hek, presided as the chief guest.
Several of these achievers who have excelled in their fields expressed their gratitude to the State BJP Mahila Morcha for recognising them. Noted blues singer and musician, Tipriti Kharbangar, who was part of the band – Soulmate, said, “I have played and sung at the Kennedy Centre, Washington DC for the Maximum India Festival way back in 2011 apart from several other countries but have never been recognised in my own state. I am grateful to the BJP Mahila Morcha for recognising me.”
Then there was Rephica Becky Pde, a runner with many amazing feats to her credit. She is also the first Indian woman to stand tall at No. 2 position in the Khardung La Challenge (72 km), the highest ultra-marathon in the world. Rephica has won and participated in more than 100 Ultra Marathons and is among top 5 Ultra Marathon runners in India. She is also called the Running Queen of the Hills in India and has been a Brand Ambassador of Meghalaya at many events across India.
Alfidarie Kharsyntiew, film actor and director, also expressed happiness over being recognised since those in her trade are least recognised. She expressed the need to have many more movie halls in the state for local films which should be exempted from entertainment tax.
Rochelle Mitson Wahlang has worked in the aviation and hospitality industry and has now set up a business called “Ask Rochelle” which plans weddings, birthdays and other occasions and does everything from the décor to the food etc. Rochelle says she has a plan for every budget so that no one is left out. In its nine years of service, “Ask Rochelle” has been able to provide many jobs. “If one has the passion and is willing to work hard, nothing is impossible,” Rochelle says.
Among writers Minimon Laloo was recognised for her literary work as poet and author and also for bringing out the book on general knowledge of Meghalaya.
DBS Mukhim, Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety was awarded for having initiated several projects to familiarise people on the importance of food safety and for the unceasing attention she gives to her work.
Silby Passah and Sweetymon Rynjah, awarded for their respective fields of music and custodian of culture, could not be present on the occasion
Iaishah Rymbai, who is the founder of the Raid Iapngar Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society, is also founder of the movement Kamai haba shongkai (earning at leisure) and also the founder of Eri-Weave Pvt Ltd, says her passion is to create sustainable livelihoods through Eri silk spinning and weaving. Mary G Wankhar, the founder of Le Organica, a firm that sells natural food products among others, describes her venture as one that honours the earth by appreciating and respecting the natural world through producing natural products and beekeeping. The co-founders first started exporting natural Loofah, Lakadong Turmeric and Honey from Meghalaya to Mumbai which they sold in pop-ups and farmers’ markets. Now Le Organica is a household name.
Also awarded on the occasion was Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest AL Hek said that it was a great day to see so many women achievers. He lauded them and all the women out there who struggle to achieve something in life and said what’s important is to have a clear concept of what they want to do and pursue that with dedication. Hek also stressed on professionalism as a condition for success, especially in the field of entrepreneurship. Hek, however, stated that people in Meghalaya need to succeed together and there is no place for communalism if the state is to progress.
