School staff, students benefit from CPR training prog in city
SHILLONG, March 29: In a bid to equip students and staff with essential life-saving skills, a comprehensive Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training session was successfully conducted at Dinet Manik Syiem Memorial Higher Secondary School recently. The program was organised by the Shillong Heart Clinic and led by Dr Synrang Warjri, a renowned cardiologist from Shillong. Under his guidance, participants received both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on training in CPR techniques, emergency response and basic first aid. During the training session, Dr Warjri and his team demonstrated step-by-step procedures to handle critical situations such as cardiac arrest and choking, while emphasising the importance of immediate intervention in saving lives. The session also focused on building confidence among participants to act promptly and effectively during medical emergencies. Students and faculty members actively participated in the training, expressing appreciation for the interactive and informative approach. The initiative highlighted the importance of health awareness and preparedness within the school community. The school authorities have, meanwhile, extended their gratitude to Shillong Heart Clinic and Dr Warjri for their valuable contribution.
MLCU holds week-long prog on culture and psychology
SHILLONG, March 29: The Department of Psychology and Wellbeing at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) concluded a week-long programme on ‘Culture and Psychology’, exploring the links between cultural identity, counselling and mental health. The event featured international and national experts, including Dr. Roy Moodley, Professor of Applied Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Tony Sam George, Director of Neuropathways, Bangalore. The sessions opened with discussions led by HOD Wandahun Lywait and Assistant Head Dr. Phibawan Syiemlieh on the importance of culturally responsive practices in both tribal and Western contexts. Alumni from the organisation ‘U Matter’ also presented their community-based mental health initiatives. Key technical sessions included Dr. Moodley’s talk on multicultural competence and a specialised ‘Body Mapping’ workshop for faculty. On the other hand, Dr. Tony Sam George discussed the integration of neuroscience into psychological practice. Reflecting the university’s focus on indigenous knowledge, faculty members presented on topics such as traditional healing, culture-bound syndromes and the use of Khasi folktales as learning tools. The programme culminated in a public event held in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH). Dr. Moodley delivered a lecture on decolonial-ethnographic methodology, followed by a drama performance by Lapdiang Syiem based on the folklore of ‘U Sir Lapalang’. The university stated that the initiative provided valuable cross-cultural perspectives, strengthening the academic understanding of culture’s role in psychological well-being.
JH farmers benefit from capacity building prog
SHILLONG, March 29: Around 300 farmers, students and entrepreneurs conglomerated for a capacity building programme recently. Organised for the farmers of Jaintia Hills, the programme was aimed at enhancing skills and promoting sustainable agriculture. During the sessions, resource persons and experts imparted practical knowledge on modern agricultural practices, encouraging participants to adopt innovative and sustainable techniques. Officials stated that the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector in the region by equipping farmers and youths with the necessary skills and knowledge. During the programme, participants were encouraged to apply the learning to overcome challenges in agriculture and explore opportunities for entrepreneurship and income generation. The culmination of the event was marked by the distribution of certificates among the participants. The programme was conducted with support from ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, in collaboration with local institutions.
Digital premium payment facility for PLI and RPLI launched
SHILLONG, March 29: The Department of Posts has introduced a digital premium payment facility for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policies through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) platform of National Payments Corporation of India. According to a statement here, policyholders can now pay their premiums using UPI, net banking and other digital payment modes. The facility is currently available on the BHIM app and will be extended to platforms such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, CRED and SBI Unipay. In a later phase, the service will also be accessible through CSC operators. According to the statement, the facility came into effect from March 25, 2026, and is expected to benefit approximately 1.5 crore policyholders across the country. The initiative aims to provide a simple, secure and convenient digital payment option, while enhancing customer experience and promoting digital transactions.
HITO general secretary steps down
JOWAI, March 29: Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) central body general secretary, Wanbun N. Dkhar, has resigned from the organisation citing personal reasons. Dkhar, who has held the position since 2021, has been active in social service since 2008. Announcing his decision on Sunday, he stated that it was the right time to step aside and explore other platforms to serve the public. “Serving the public is not limited to voluntary organisations alone; there are many platforms through which one can contribute to society,” Dkhar said. He expressed gratitude to the central executive committee of the HITO and the people of the region for their support throughout his tenure. Affirming his continued commitment to public welfare, the senior leader remarked that “serving humanity is serving God.” He said that success in life is rooted in a spirit of gratitude, mutual respect and patience.
Enrichment prog for DCGC trainees
SHILLONG, March 29: A three-day enrichment programme for DCGC trainees was successfully conducted at NERIE from March 25 to 27. The programme aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of trained counsellors through exposure to contemporary therapeutic practices and real-world challenges. The programme commenced with an introductory session by Dr Prachi Ghildyal, Assistant Professor NERIE NCERT who provided an overview of the objectives and expectations. Sessions on current concerns in counselling and trauma-informed therapy were conducted by Dr Jasmine Lyngdoh, focusing on emerging psychological issues among students. On the second day, Prof Yatan P Singh Balhara led insightful sessions on addiction, its prevention, and intervention strategies. Practical approaches such as Solution-Focused Brief Intervention and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy were facilitated by Malvika Rao. The final day included sessions on Emotionally Focused Therapy, Existential Therapies, and Motivational Interviewing. The programme concluded with a session on Indian perspectives in psychotherapy.
