SHILLONG: In a fitting tribute to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, foundation of a herbal garden dedicated to him was laid by Ambassador of Bolivia to India Jorge Cardenas at Khongdong Wah Deeng road near Pynursla on Friday.
The herb garden, set amidst pristine surroundings of dense forests and rivulets, would be a mirror to the outside world of the richness, variance and diversity of tradition and thought of the indigenous tribesmen of the state.
The project –‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Herbal Garden’ — was conceptualized by coordination of the Traditional Chiefs, Clan and Village elders to pay a fitting tribute to Dr Kalam, who breathed his last in Shillong on July 27 this year.
It may also be mentioned that Dr Kalam, ‘the Peoples President’ held a special affection towards the people of Meghalaya and North East India; and shown keenness at opening doors for herbal industry in Meghalaya as well as in the other North Eastern states; with many species of traditional herbal medicinal plant species finding their way into the lawns of Rashtrapati Bhawan during his presidency.
Fifteen acres of land was donated by the Khun Trai Sawkur Khap Umsong Pynter for the garden that would house multiple varieties of traditional herbs and medicines. Addressing the gathering, Cardenas said that Bolivia and Shillong have many similarities in terms of rich culture and tradition even as he added that 60 per cent population of Bolivia are tribals. Stating that people need each other for existence, he said that the Khongdong Wah Deeng village is in harmony with the nature and there is a need to maintain balance between nature and development. Speaking on the occasion, Paiem Laborious S Syem, convener and advisor of traditional institutions said that they will request Ayush to assist them through funding so that the medicinal plants can be maintained with international standard besides involving the scientific department of NEHU. He further said that they would request the Meghalaya Governor to be the chairman and added that this project would be maintained by the clan and the villagers.
