Nongpoh celebrates Shad Sajer fest; MLA urges youths to stay connected to roots
NONGPOH, March 28: The Raid Nongpoh, under the Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship, successfully organised the annual Shad Sajer festival at Lum Wyrtoh on Saturday. The Shad Sajer is an age-old traditional ritual that had been discontinued for several years before being recently revived through the initiative of the Durbar Raid Nongpoh. The festival was attended by Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem as the chief guest, alongside the Acting Sirdar of Hima Nongpoh, Luistar Lyngdoh, and other community leaders. The celebration featured young men and women in traditional attire performing indigenous dances, including Shad Mastieh, Shad Rah Kynthei and Shad Wait. Addressing the gathering, Syiem expressed satisfaction with the revival of the tradition, noting that such festivals provide a platform to showcase the region’s rich cultural identity. He also urged the leaders and youths of the Raid not to forget their roots and unique identity, even as many have embraced Christianity. He stated that the core objective of the Shad Sajer is to strengthen the connection of the younger generation with their ancestral traditions. Meanwhile, Luistar Lyngdoh, along with other speakers, stressed the importance of preserving such traditional rituals, describing them as symbols of the community’s identity and cultural heritage.
Meet to boost govt-media coordination
SHILLONG, March 28: The Inter-Media Publicity Coordination Committee (IMPCC) met in Shillong on Friday to strengthen coordination and public communication among various stakeholders. Organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the meeting brought together representatives from central government departments, media units, educational institutions, defence and public sector organisations. During the meeting, Kripa Shankar Yadav, ADG (NEZ), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, highlighted the importance of synchronised communication. He noted the roles of the PIB and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in effective information dissemination and called for better collaboration through regular interactions. On the other hand, Gopajit Das, Assistant Director of PIB Shillong, outlined the bureau’s initiatives and encouraged departments to utilise its platforms for wider outreach. Participants, including representatives from the Assam Rifles, NIFT Shillong, IIM Shillong, Akashvani, the Ministry of Health, IMD and NEIAH, shared their respective activities and communication challenges. The meeting concluded with a discussion on enhancing synergy and media engagement among the participating organisations.
Three injured in SWKH road mishap
MAWKYRWAT, March 28: Three persons, including the driver, were injured when a bus carrying 48 passengers hit a hillside near the Rilang Bridge at Mawranglang village in South West Khasi Hills on Friday night. The bus (AS18AC 0155) was travelling from Mawsynram to Resubelpara. According to official sources, the driver, Akon Nath (39), had stopped the vehicle around 10 pm due to mechanical issues. While most of the passengers had already disembarked, the bus suddenly struck the hillside, injuring Nath and two passengers who remained on board. The injured passengers were identified as Neru Marak (65) and Sailendro B. Sangma (70), both residents of Resubelpara. While Nath was treated at Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital, the two elderly passengers were referred to NEIGRIHMS, Shillong. All three were discharged on Saturday. Mawkyrwat police conducted an inquiry and completed formalities under the Motor Vehicles Act. The damaged vehicle was subsequently towed to the police station for further investigation.
Self-defence workshop held in city
SHILLONG, March 28: The Shillong Socio-Cultural Assamese Students’ Association (SSASA), in collaboration with IDM Fitness & Fight Club, organised a self-defence workshop on Saturday at the Asom Kristri Kendra Hall, Dhankheti. The workshop was part of ‘Nahor–The Grand Fest’, a socio-cultural initiative held in memory of Zubeen Garg. The event drew participation from students and the general public interested in personal safety and physical preparedness. Experienced trainers from IDM Fitness & Fight Club conducted the session, which combined theoretical insights with hands-on demonstrations of practical self-defence techniques. The programme aimed to enhance confidence and promote discipline among the youths.
EKH girl wins state-level Youth Parl
SHILLONG, March 28: Riwaka Tangsong from East Khasi Hills was declared the winner of the state-level edition of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Festival (VBYPF) 2026, held at the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Annexe Hall on Saturday. According to a statement here, the competition featured 30 district-level winners from across Meghalaya who deliberated on the theme: “Union Budget 2026: Strengthening the Indian Youth’s Path Towards Viksit Bharat 2047.” While Tangsong secured the first position, Rabeclyne Kharbyngar, also from East Khasi Hills, and Sengrimchi Marak from East Garo Hills, bagged the second and third prizes respectively. The event was organised by MY Bharat Meghalaya in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs and the State NSS Cell, with support from the Meghalaya State Assembly. The programme was attended by MLA Miani D. Shira as the chief guest and MLA Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah as the guest of honour. Others who were present included Dr. Andrew Simons, Adviser to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly; Malthus Sangma, Assembly Secretary; Linda BK Sangma, State Director of MY Bharat; Ferdinand Rumnong, NSS State Nodal Officer; and Bobby Wahlang, State Youth Officer.
