WWII veterans to be part of
ex-servicemen rally in city
SHILLONG, Nov 22: A mega ex servicemen rally will be organised by Headquarters 101 Area, Indian Army and Rajya Sainik Board, Meghalaya, at 58 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC), Happy Valley here on Friday. The rally will be attended by hundreds of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, World War-II veterans and children from Meghalaya. The ex-servicemen rally is conducted every year in Shillong. The rally is specially aimed at ex-servicemen, war veterans, disabled soldiers and war widows to express solidarity and demonstrate that they remain inseparable members of the armed forces fraternity even post retirement. GAD Minister Rakkam A Sangma will be the chief guest for the event. Senior officers from the armed forces and other civil dignitaries will also be attending the rally. During the ex-servicemen rally, a one-time grant of Rs 1 lakh from Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Special Grant will be presented to six World War II veterans/veer naris. In addition, 10 gifts to Veer Naris and 60 gifts to ex-sevicemen will also be presented on the day.
Kharlukhi inaugurates community hall of village in Umsning
NONGPOH, Nov 22: Rajya Sabha member WR Kharlukhi, on Wednesday inaugurated the community hall of Umniuh Khwan village in the presence of Umsning MLA C Lyngdoh and local MDC Macdalyne S Mawlong. The community hall was constructed under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) 2021-2022 and Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) 2022-2023 at a cost of Rs 28 lakh. Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Kharlukhi lauded the village’s executive committee for their proper utilisation of the fund granted for construction of their community hall. He said that the Dorbar Hall is the centre of democracy where the genesis of the Khasi administration originated from it and also one of the old practices of democracy, he added. He also expressed his concern that there are some villages which run and manage their village administration without a community hall or proper school building. He, therefore, said it is the need of the hour to come and work together in order to accomplish the requirements of the villagers as sought. Talking about the village adoption programme for MPs, he said Mawlyndep village, being one of the adopted villages, will set a prime example for others in the district through its overall developments. The event also included presentation of mementoes to individuals who rendered good service towards successful implementation of the dorbar hall.
MLCU’s heritage walk in Jowai
SHILLONG, Nov 22: In an effort to heighten awareness and instil a sense of appreciation for the preservation of the cultural heritage, monuments, and grand residences within the state, the Department of Tourism and Travel Management at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) marked World Heritage Week by organising a Heritage Walk in Jowai on Wednesday. Guided by the Head of the Department, Dr Iadonlang Tynsong, and accompanied by faculty members, the walk commenced with a visit to the Jowai Presbyterian Church, established 150 years ago by the Welsh Presbyterian Mission. During the visit, Rev E Nongpluh pastor Incharge and Elder MC Rymbui, the Church’s Secretary, highlighted its distinction as one of the oldest churches in the region and noteworthy for its British architectural style, the church stands out as a delightful testament to the past. Subsequently, the students proceeded to the Thaiwan Jaintia Traditional Museum at Chutwakhu, curated by Waheh Kamai War. This repository houses over 300 items, including 13 traditional Jaintia musical instruments, cultural attire, ornaments, utensils, and handicrafts. Waheh Kamai War, in his commitment to cultural heritage preservation, founded the Thaiwan Arts and Cultural Organization in 2010. The students’ field visit also encompassed Wah-Ait-Nar in Iongpiah, a sacred pond of Niam-Tre where the Behdienkhlam Festival is celebrated annually. Managed by the socio-religious group Seinraij Niamtre, the visit to this cultural landmark vividly showcased the cultural richness of Khasi and Jaintia Hills. General secretary, Sein Raij, Jowai, Arwatki Sumer, member of Sein Raij Jowai, CA Ram Kyndiah, Pastor Jowai, Raymond Nartiang, member of Sein Raij Jowai, Deibha Rymbai, provided illuminating historical insights into the heritage significance of Ait Nar. Kongka siangbood, caretaker of Iing Blai (house of God) allowed a visit to the Sacred House. Continuing their exploration after Wah Eit Nar, the students visited Syntu Ksiar, renowned for its legendary folklore and named after Syntu U of the Iawchibidi clan. Within Syntu Ksiar lies the Kiang Nangbah Monument, commemorating the historical significance of the freedom struggle led by Kiang Nangbah against the British on December 30, 1862. This monument stands as a perpetual tribute to his honour to this day.
Woman reported missing in WKH
NONGSTOIN, Nov 22: One Laidina Rongrin (27), a teacher by profession, has been missing since November 2, when she had left for her school following which her whereabouts could not be traced, the Superintendent of Police of West Khasi Hills said in a statement. She is a teacher of Holy Spirit School (Songsak village), and a resident of Doronggre village. She is fair-complexioned, has short curly brown hair and stands around 5 feet tall. She was last seen wearing a yellow Salwar.
Exhibition on horticulture devp
JOWAI, Nov 22: An exhibition under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture was held at Marian HS School playground, Jowai, by the Office of the District Horticulture Officer, West Jaintia Hills. Jowai MLA Wailad Shylla was the chief guest in the presence of Director of Horticulture Meghalaya, Shillong, DC Sohtun, among others. Several farmers and cultivators from three blocks of West Jaintia — Amlarem, Thadlaskein and Laskein — brought their agricultural produce for display to the exhibition. Different vegetables and flowers were carried to the agriculture presentation, while seeds and legumes were on public display and a variety of poultry and chickens cackled and crowded to enliven the government programme. Prizes were distributed to winners of the agriculture and farming demonstration at the end of the programme.
Cleaning drive in Lumshyiap
SHILLONG, Nov 22: The Dorbar Shnong Lumshyiap will organize a cleaning drive in the locality on December 11 starting from 8am onwards. All the land owners who reside outside of Lumshyiap are requested to meet the headman and to bring along with them proof of ownership (Dulir) before the date of the cleaning drive.