SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for construction of a multi-facility utility centre-cum-community hall and Dorbar at Mawkhar in an impressive function attended by Urban Affairs Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and local legislator Roshan Warjri.
The centre will come up at the site of the erstwhile Khasi-Jaintia National School at a cost of Rs.1 crore sanctioned by the Chief Minster under the Special Central Assistance (SCA).
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the Government has been creating such multi-facility centres in a number of locations across the State with the idea of giving the people a platform for multipurpose and productive activities.
The Chief Minister also lauded the Seng Kynthei Welfare Organization of Mawkhar for having achieved positive outcomes through their ‘silent’ work and called upon them to go beyond their locality in their endeavour for the cause of a better society.
Warjri, in her address as the guest of honour, informed the gathering that due to lack of space previous Rangbah Shnongs could not have a Dorbar of their own and expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister for his idea to construct the centre in the present site and also for generously extending financial assistance for the same.
She also informed that a special space would be earmarked for the youths for music, arts and other activities including skill development programmes.
Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh recalled how Mawkhar used to be the centre of arts and music in the yesteryears and expressed her hope that the centre would become a complete community utility centre for the inhabitants of the locality.
Rangbah Shnong of Mawkhar, W.H.D. Syngkon, in his introductory address said that the centre, which will remain the asset of the State Government, would be managed and maintained by the local Dorbar.
The function, marked by inspiring songs and fusion numbers from various groups including the Seng Kynthei and Seng Samla, was also attended by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal, Urban Affairs Director B. Dutta, MUDA Secretary E. Kharmalki, besides Rangbah Shnongs, Church leaders, elders and residents of the locality.
