Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 779/06

JAINTIA TOURISM FESTIVAL CONCLUDED

The week long Jaintia Tourism Festival extravaganza “Discover Jaintia” came to an end on October 16, 2006 at the ceremony held at the District Library Auditorium, Jowai. Meghalaya Minister for Home, Tourism, etc. grace the occasion as the chief guest.

In his speech, Mr. Lyngdoh lauded the effort of the Jaintia Tourism and Environment Society for their initiatives in organizing the Festival. He also informed that the autumn festival would be held in Shillong from October 28, 2006 to November 5, 2006, adding that the activities during the festival will not be held only in Shillong, but in other districts too. He further informed that the 8000-drums beat is the focus to the outside world that Meghalaya and North Eastern region is not infested by terrorists and militant groups and by winning the Guinness Book of World Record it will ensure that Meghalaya and the entire region as the tourist destination. He also urged upon the people to be tourist friendly in order to make tourism sector a booming business. He further asserted that besides coal and limestone, Jaintia Hills has a tremendous potentiality in the field of tourism and urged upon the Dollois and headmen to extend their helping hands for the development of tourism in the area.

The highlight of the day includes songs, dances and short play. Mr. Daryn Brow from Australia was the guest artist on the day.

Other who spoke on the occasion were Rev. B Newsman from Australia and Mr. M S Lhuid, ADM. Mr. F R Kharkongor, Deputy Commissioner, delivered the welcome address Jaintia Hills while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. S K Lato.

Press Release No. 780/06

SKIT COMPETITION INAUGURATED

The Deputy Commissioner, Jaintia Hills District, Jowai, Mr. F R Kharkongor has inaugurated the Short Play Competition recently at the District Library Auditorium, Jowai. The competition was organized by the Marchaphrang Development Society (MDS) in collaboration with the District Administration.

In his speech, Mr. Kharkongor lauded the MDS for organizing the competition, which is part of "Discover Jaintia". He also said that Jaintia Hills has vast potentials for tourism and at the same time rich in cultural and traditional wealth.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. F M Dopth, ADM and Mr. T Sawain, president of MDS.

Press Release No. 784/06

MEGHALAYA GIRL GUIDES SHINE AT NIC

A contingent of Girl Guides consisting of 9 Guides and 2 adults leaders, all from Stephan Memorial Secondary School, Mawlai-Mawroh, have returned home safely after having successfully participated at the National Integration Camp (NIC) held at Himachal Pradesh. Off the 21 states participating in the Camp, the North Eastern Region was represented by Meghalaya and Mizoram.

As part of the Camp a number of competitions and activities were organized. Meghalaya bagged 3rd prize in the overall category, 1st prize in the Folk Song competition and 2nd prize in the Folk Dancing completion. Merina Sohpdang was crowned “Miss NIC”. She was adjudged the best girl of the 21 representative states.

It maybe mentioned that the Bharat Scouts and Guides is celebrating the Centenary of Scouting all around the world. The NIC was also held in connection with this celebration.

In an effort to raise funds, the Shillong Senior Guides are going to organize an Fete on 3rd November 2006 at Laitumkhrah and the draw of the Centenary Raffle will be held on November 7th November 2006 being the Foundation Day of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. The Flag Day will also be held at the Raj Bhavan, Shillong on the same day.

This was informed by the State Secretary of the Meghalaya Bhart Scouts and Guides, Mr. L.K.Sailo.

Press Release No. 785/06

JACOB INAUGURATE WORKSHOP ON IMPACT OF AIR AND WATER POLLUTION ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOLUTION

The Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M M Jacob inaugurated the two day Workshop on “Impact of Air and Water pollution on the quality of life and solution there-of”, today at Hotel Pinewood, Shillong. The Workshop was organized by the State Development Reforms Commission (SDRC) Meghalaya in association with the State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE) Meghalaya.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Mr. Jacob lauded the SDRC for organizing the workshop and expressed optimism that the introduction of such programme would go a long way to promote awareness in the community and broadening their horizon of knowledge. He also stressed the need to create comprehensive awareness of the need to have adequate safeguards against the destruction of natural environment. He also opined that the preservation of environment is multi-dimensional and it relates itself to many disciplines and facets of the administration adding that the protection of the environment and the preservation of the ecological balance are the concern of the people all over the globe.

Stating that economic growth and improvement in the quality of life of people in Meghalaya which is still underdeveloped are essential to achieve, Mr. Jacob said, “we should strive to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015”.

In maybe mentioned that the Workshop was divided into three Technical sessions. During the first session papers were presented on “Air Pollution” the second dealt with the “Water Pollution”, the third on the “Mitigation Strategies”. The workshop was followed by an interactive and recommendation session.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. E. K. Mawlong, Chairman SDRC, Mr. P. S. Thangkhiew, Planning Adviser NEC. Smt S. Khonglah, Deputy Chairman SDRC delivered the welcome address while Mr. W. Synrem proposed the vote of thanks.

Earlier in the day, the Governor inaugurate the two day Exhibition held in the State Central Library premises.