JOWAI, Jan 10: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, on Friday inaugurated the Centenary Celebration of the Dorbar Shnong Chutwakhu, Jowai, during an event held at the Jrisaleiñ Ground here.
The programme was also attended by the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Sniawbhalang Dhar and Wailadmiki Shylla (MLA), who is also the Chairman of MUDA. Both leaders lauded the Dorbar Shnong Chutwakhu over its 100 years of existence and the progress it has achieved over time. Other notable attendees included Lahkmen Rymbui (MLA) and various government officials, along with other invited guests.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma commended the leadership and resilience of the village, acknowledging both past and present leaders who have steered the village to reach this remarkable milestone.
He also praised the village for its significant contribution during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a notable donation of ₹50,000 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Chief Minister further lauded the Jowai town for its active participation in the upcoming ‘Meghalaya Games’ and mentioned that athletes from Jowai who previously had to travel to Tura and Shillong would now have the opportunity to participate in their own town this year.
As part of his support for local sports clubs and associations in the West Jaiñtia Hills District, Chief Minister Sangma handed over cheques worth ₹1 lakh each to 21 sports clubs and associations for preparation for the upcoming Meghalaya Games.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the village’s flag to mark the beginning of the Centenary celebrations.
The village was established in 1925 under the leadership of notable figures such as OH Rease (Omil Haris Shullai), Lomiwell Shylla and Phelickstone Rymbai, among others. The village initially formed as a club, which later evolved into the Chutwakhu Society in 1930, to oversee various community activities.
In the following decades, the Chutwakhu Society focused on youth and community development, establishing committees to address education, sports, vigilance, arts, and finance.
In 1992, the Vigilance Committee was set up to ensure good governance, and the Education Committee was established in 1998 to promote educational growth within the community.
In 2024, in line with district council regulations, the Chutwakhu Social Welfare Local Dorbar was officially renamed the Dorbar Shnong Chutwakhu, Jowai.
The event included a traditional welcome from P.W. Lyngdoh, the Village Head, and prayers from Rev. Dr. ER Tongper. The celebrations featured performances by the village youth, including dances, songs and a choreographed performance. The event concluded with the release of 100 balloons by the senior citizens of the village.
As part of the Centenary Jubilee, the village also distributed mementos to all households in the area. Later in the evening, an “Oldies But Goodies Concert” was held, featuring performances by local musical groups including Lynx, Theophilus, Desling Amse, Nexus, and Timeless Tunes.