‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign promotes inclusive education
SHILLONG, March 26: Raising awareness on the importance of inclusive education, Jan Vikas Samiti, Varanasi, in collaboration with Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre, organised the ‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign on Tuesday. According to a statement here, the event featured a vibrant rally from the Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre to a nearby government school, bringing together educators and students to advocate for inclusive education, ensuring equal learning opportunities for children with special needs. Participants marched with colourful banners and slogans such as ‘Education for All’ and ‘Inclusion Matters’, calling for a more accessible and supportive education system. At the government school, Director of Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre Maya Pohshna and Colety Mawlong, an audiometrician, addressed the gathering on Accessibility, Acceptance, Adaptation and Inclusive Education. They emphasised that every child, regardless of disabilities, has the right to quality education in mainstream classrooms. Further, a skit performed by students from Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre showcased how inclusivity benefits not just children with disabilities but fosters empathy, respect, and understanding among all students. The campaign also highlighted challenges in implementing inclusive education, including limited resources, lack of specialised teacher training, and societal stigma. It urged the community to advocate for better funding, training, and support for educators to create a truly inclusive learning environment. Meanwhile, principal of Umniuh-Khwan LP Government School, Macferson Syiemlieh, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, acknowledging its impact in raising awareness about the struggles faced by children with speech and hearing impairments. “We are truly thankful for the efforts of Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre in organising this campaign. It is crucial that we continue to strive for inclusive education, ensuring that all our students, regardless of their abilities, feel supported and empowered. Today’s event has inspired us to take further steps in making our classrooms more accessible, and we are excited to work together with the community to improve our educational practices,” Syiemlieh remarked. The campaign also emphasised that building an inclusive education system requires a collective effort—from teachers, parents, local communities and policymakers—to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and succeed.
Noted author’s book launched
SHILLONG, March 26: The Tea Planter, a book by noted author Brian D Kharpran Daly, was on Wednesday launched at Martin Luther Christian University’s (MLCU), Umsawli Campus. The launch event, organised by MLCU Press in collaboration with the School of Languages and Cultural Communication (SLCC), was attended by literary enthusiasts, faculty and students. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Evarisha Mercy Syiem, Dean of SLCC, who praised the author and highlighted the book’s significance. Introducing his book, the author shared that The Tea Planter was inspired by old notes from his father’s hunting days. While he has written several books, he noted that this novel was unique as it required blending fiction with historical facts. The novel delves into tiger hunting in Assam, the belief in tiger whiskers as protective charms, the solitude of tea garden life, and glimpses of life in Ireland, concluding with a poem. The book was launched by The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim, who, in her address as the chief guest, encouraged attendees to read the novel, acknowledging that while Brian was renowned for his work on caves, this book was an unexpected yet engaging departure. She praised its themes of love, romance, death and intrigue, including an instance of poisoning. She also urged students to write about their experiences, assuring them that readers would always be interested in their stories. Meanwhile, MLCU Chancellor Dr Glenn Kharkongor shared insights into his long-standing friendship with the author and their common passion for books. He reminisced about their cave exploration adventures, where they discovered fossil seams, and credited Brian with bringing global attention to Meghalaya’s caves. He encouraged those who had never visited caves to explore them and appreciate their beauty. An interactive session was also held during the programme, where the author engaged with attendees, answering questions and sharing insights into his writing process.
BSF foils cattle-smuggling attempt
SHILLONG, March 26: Troops of the 4th Battalion, BSF Meghalaya, successfully seized 22 buffaloes and apprehended five Indian nationals near the international border in West Jaintia Hills district on Tuesday. Acting on specific intelligence about the illegal stocking of cattle in a betel nut garden for smuggling into Bangladesh, BSF troops swiftly launched an operation. The individuals were caught attempting to transport the cattle across the border but failed to provide a valid explanation for their possession. The seized cattle and the apprehended individuals have been handed over to the Police Patrol Post, Muktapur, for further investigation and necessary legal action.