Assembly Speaker in Delhi for 28th CSPOC
SHILLONG, Jan 15: Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma is attending the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, held from January 14 to 16. The conference was inaugurated on Thursday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Samvidhan Sadan. Chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the event includes 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments. The Meghalaya delegation, which includes Assembly Secretary Malthus S Sangma, is participating in sessions aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and modernizing legislative practices. Key discussions focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary oversight, the influence of social media on legislators, and strategies to enhance public engagement with democratic processes beyond elections.
15,000 youth attend Catholic Convention in Tura
SHILLONG, Jan 15: The 35th Catholic Youth Convention held at Purakhasia under the Tura Diocese drew participation from more than 15,000 young people from across Garo Hills. The Holy Eucharistic Mass during the convention was attended by Bernard N Marak, a Member of the Autonomous District Council from Tura, who has been associated with the Diocesan Youth Convention since its early years. Organisers said Marak was among the founding members of the convention and had contributed to its formative activities, including the composition of theme songs in its initial phase. Though not holding any official role in the current organising structure, Marak attended the convention and interacted with participants. He has also previously taken part in the Pilgrimage of Trust at Taizé, France, which organisers said contributed to faith-based youth initiatives in the Tura Diocese. Church officials said the convention has grown into a major annual gathering focused on faith, prayer, and youth engagement.
Nongpoh MLA reviews Youth Synod preparations
NONGPOH, Jan 15: Preparations for the Presbyterian Church Youth Synod, scheduled for February 2026 at Kbet Nongbri, are underway with infrastructure works currently being finalised. Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, accompanied by Public Works Department (PWD) officials, visited the village on Thursday to inspect ongoing projects. The review focused on road improvements, the leveling of the main congregation ground, and other essential infrastructure required for the event. During the visit, the MLA handed over 30 solar street lights to the village to improve night-time illumination and safety for the expected delegates and visitors. Syiem expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that the inspection was intended to ensure that road blacktopping and venue preparations are completed on schedule. He commended village authorities and church leaders for their coordination in managing the preparatory works. Acknowledging that minor issues might arise during the process, the MLA urged residents and church members to remain cooperative to ensure the successful hosting of the youth congregation.
22-year-old with disabilities missing in SWKH
MAWKYRWAT, Jan 15: A 22-year-old man with disabilities, identified as Khlainkupar Nongsiej, has been missing from his home in Rangmaw village since January 13. Rangmaw village Myntri, Drus Lyngdoh, stated that Nongsiej, who is intellectually impaired and has speech and hearing difficulties, was last seen at approximately 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday. Rangmaw is located about 7 km from Mawkyrwat in the South West Khasi Hills. Nongsiej is approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall. When he went missing, he was wearing black trousers, a blue denim jacket, and a maroon and blue football jersey. Despite a search operation conducted today by village residents and the police, the youth remains untraceable. The village authorities and Nongsiej’s relatives have appealed to the public for information regarding his whereabouts. Anyone who has seen him is requested to contact the Rangmaw Myntri, the Mawkyrwat Police Station, or call 8132017241, 9863398734, or 9863807809.
Former educator Madhumitha Majumder no more
SHILLONG, Jan 15: Madhumitha Guha Majumder, a respected former educator, passed away on Thursday at her residence in Kolkata following a prolonged illness. She was born in Shillong and was widely remembered for her dedication to teaching and her compassionate approach towards students. An alumna of St. Mary’s College, she also held a Bachelor of Education degree from Post Graduate Training College. She began her teaching career at St. John’s School, where she served for several years and earned the respect of colleagues and students alike. She is survived by her family, including her brother Rajib Chowdhury, a senior journalist based in Shillong. Her husband, Rajan Guha Majumder, had passed away on October 30, 2025. The funeral is scheduled to be held later this evening in Kolkata.
NEIGRIHMS adopts PPP model for PET scan services
SHILLONG, Jan 15: NEIGRIHMS is adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to launch PET scan services at its Regional Cancer Centre, a move expected to save patients from traveling to Guwahati for the procedure. Institute Director Dr Nalin Mehta said the facility would offer scans at Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates, while other patients can avail the service through various cashless schemes. The institute is also in discussions with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS)—the organisation behind the “Jaipur Foot”—to establish a prosthetic fabrication unit on-site. The project, currently being coordinated with the Ministry of Health, is in its final stages. “This unit would provide free artificial limbs to patients across the region,” Dr. Mehta said, noting that NEIGRIHMS records approximately three to four amputation cases every month. The director further informed that the institute is expanding its dialysis capacity to 20 units to accommodate more patients.
