Meghalaya Nuggets

Organisers rue lack of govt support for Pa Togan Nengminza memorial
WILLIAMNAGAR, Dec 13: The organisers of the Pa Togan Nengminja memorial, held annually on December 12 at Chisobibra near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills (EGH), have expressed disappointment over the state government’s lack of support in elevating the event, despite the significance of the Garo warrior in the state’s history. During a programme organised by the Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma Memorial Association to mark the 152nd death anniversary of Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma, its secretary, Arun Marak, noted that over the past three years, there had been no support from the state or district authorities, with only local MLA Marcuise Marak and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) contributing to the cause. “Our MLA of Williamanagar, Marcuise Marak, has provided us a support of Rs 50,000 to assist in the programme while the GHADC (which was represented by CEM, Albinush Marak) provided some contributions. This is too meagre and not enough to manage,” said the Association secretary. Earlier editions of the memorial attracted large crowds, with thousands attending the festivities, which included traditional games and dances to honour the legendary warrior who sacrificed his life fighting the British. In contrast, recent years have seen a decline in scale and attendance, primarily due to a lack of funds. Meanwhile, this year’s event drew only a few hundred visitors to Chisobibra Park. “Pa Togan is a very important figure in our Garo society and his life needs to be celebrated in a grander manner. Even for the maintenance of the Chisobibra Park, we are utilising funds from our own and contributions from residents. We appeal to the government to take the matter seriously and provide more funding to continue to talk about the legend of our ancestor,” felt Marak.

Agniveer recruitment: 198 candidates shortlisted for physical, medical tests
NONGPOH, Dec 13: A total of 198 candidates from Meghalaya have been shortlisted for physical and medical tests during the Agniveer recruitment rally held at Umroi Military Station under the Agnipath Scheme. Organised by the REDHORNS Division of the Gajraj Corps and the Army Recruiting Office (ARO) Shillong, the selection process on December 10 and 11 marked the first-ever recruitment rally in Umroi. According to the Army, a total of 932 aspirants had applied during the recruitment rally, out of which 198 candidates were selected for physical and medical tests. Meanwhile, the Indian Army reiterated its commitment to creating opportunities for the youths of Meghalaya to contribute to the nation’s security and development through initiatives such as the Agnipath Scheme.

Life Skills trainees feted in SGH
From Our Correspondent

TURA, Dec 13: A felicitation programme for teachers and students who attended the life skills training under the theme ‘Building Young Leaders by Empowering Adolescents Boys and Girls with Transformational Life Skills was organised by the Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) Shillong, in Tura on Friday.
Additional Deputy Commissioner South Garo Hills and Project Director DRDA P R Marak congratulated the participants, saying that the programme would help them to be self-confident and prepare themselves for the future. “The skills you learnt will help you contribute towards personal growth and fostering the sense of social responsibility and community engagement”.
Programme Coordinator MIG June H Warbah dwelt on her journey towards taking up the project more passionately for the people of South Garo Hills. She stated that it was her passion to reach out to the unreached and to build the young boys and girls who are the future. She expressed gratitude towards the students for their efforts in taking Life Skills training seriously.
Students from various institutes of Baghmara were felicitated with certificates on the occasion.