Pre-Christmas get-together in Shillong spreads message of interfaith harmony
SHILLONG, Dec 13: The message of love, respect and co-existence among different faiths and communities was shared during a pre-Christmas get-together promoting harmony here, as Shillong prepares to celebrate the festive season of Christmas. The programme was organised by Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai in collaboration with the Monitoring Can Implementation Committee of 19th South Shillong. People from all walks of life attended the celebration, during which assistance was also extended to various churches and Christmas celebration committees. Speaking on the occasion, Shullai said that people may belong to different faiths and religions, but in the end all living beings—whether humans, animals or even insects—are created by one soul of God. He also said that he carries different holy books when he travels outside the state, as he gets ample time during flights to go through scriptures such as the Ramayan, Quran Sharif and the Holy Bible. Shullai added that similar harmony get-togethers are also organised during Puja celebrations. The highlight of the event was a performance by the Cathedral Band, which enthralled the audience as people from different faiths and religions came together to attend the programme.
Rediscovered Somnath Jyotirlinga fragments draw devotees in city
SHILLONG, Dec 13: A rare and deeply significant spiritual moment unfolded in the city on Friday as residents witnessed the divine darshan of the rediscovered fragments of the original Somnath Jyotirlinga, believed to have been lost for nearly a thousand years. The event, held at Gyan Villa, Rilbong, drew devotees from across Shillong and concluded with the distribution of prasadam. The sacred relics arrived in Shillong as part of an all-India spiritual journey facilitated by The Art of Living (AOL) and its founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This nationwide yatra aims to reconnect devotees with a profound chapter of India’s ancient spiritual heritage, culminating in preparations for a fresh consecration. The fragments of the Jyotirlinga, preserved for centuries by the Agnihotri Brahmins under the guidance of the Kanchi Shankaracharya, were brought to AOL centres, including Bengaluru, earlier in 2025, for public blessings and special observances. They were also central to this year’s Maha Shivaratri celebrations, drawing thousands who sought darshan of the sacred remains. Friday’s event in Shillong was described by organisers as a historic revival of spiritual energy, offering a rare opportunity for devotees to feel connected to a millennium-old legacy associated with Lord Shiva. The atmosphere at Gyan Villa remained serene and devotional throughout, as chants, rituals and quiet reverence marked the brief but momentous stop of the sacred relics in the hill city.
Shillong to commemorate martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur today
SHILLONG, Dec 13: Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Shillong, has announced that the Sikh Sangat of Shillong, along with devotees and representatives from across Meghalaya and other Northeastern states, will observe the martyrdom of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, on December 14. The commemoration will be led by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj Ji, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs, who will be the principal participant at the event. His participation is expected to draw members of the Sikh community from across the region. Representatives of the Sikh Pratinidhi Board, Eastern Zone (Dhubri Sahib), including its president and board members, as well as members of various Sikh organisations from the Northeast, are also expected to attend. General secretary of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) S. Jagdip Singh Kahlon and other Sikh leaders are likely to be present. The programme will focus on remembering the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who was martyred in 1675 while defending the principles of freedom of conscience, human dignity and the right to practise one’s faith. Meanwhile, Gurjit Singh, president of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Shillong, has invited members of the Sikh Sangat and representatives of other faiths to attend the commemoration. The organisers have appealed to devotees from Meghalaya and the wider Northeast to participate in large numbers.
NEIGRIHMS upgrades its medical imaging capabilities
SHILLONG, Dec 13: NEIGRIHMS has significantly upgraded its medical imaging capabilities with the inauguration of high-specification radiological equipment across its departments, enhancing the facility’s ability to perform complex interventional procedures. The new additions include two Digital Radio Fluoroscopy (DRF 1000 mA) machines installed in the Radiology Department at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC). Additionally, a Digital Mobile C-Arm (25 kW) with Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) was inaugurated at the Main Radiology & Imaging Department. NEIGRIHMS Director Dr Nalin Mehta served as the chief guest for the inauguration. The new technology will allow the Radiology Department to expand its offering of vascular and non-vascular interventional procedures for patients across Northeast India, building on the services the Interventional Radiology unit has provided since 2001.
Govt disburses new FOCUS+ instalment
SHILLONG, Dec 13: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday announced that the government has begun disbursing another instalment of the FOCUS+ scheme, confirming that beneficiaries have already started receiving the amount. “We have just started releasing another instalment of the FOCUS Plus scheme. Some of the beneficiaries must have already received it, and the others will receive it in the days to come,” the chief minister said. Reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, Sangma added, “This is another commitment that our government had given and I want to assure that our government is here to work for every section of society.” The FOCUS+ programme remains one of the government’s flagship initiatives aimed at providing targeted financial support to rural households and strengthening grassroots livelihoods across the state.
