Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 129/24

YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME HELD IN AMPATI FOCUSES ON LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The District Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, organized a District Level Youth Exchange Programme in Ampati, aimed at fostering leadership and cultural exchange among the youth. Held on Tuesday at the Multi-Facility Centre in South West Garo Hills, the event drew students from Class 11 to BA 3rd year under the theme, "Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Leader".

Chief Guest Saljagring M. Marak, the District Sports Officer, emphasized the importance of leadership and skill development, noting that youth are the future leaders of the region. The programme saw enthusiastic participation from four schools across the district, showcasing the talents of young people through a series of competitions, including painting, folk dances, and folk songs, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of Garo Hills.

One of the highlights of the event was a quiz competition moderated by quiz master Sanjib Das from Hawakhana Higher Secondary School. The intellectual contest brought an exciting dimension to the day’s activities, encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and teamwork.

Winners from each category were recognized for their outstanding performances. In the quiz competition, Desagra A. Sangma and Karbingsthone M. Sangma from Springfield Higher Secondary School secured the first position, followed by Mesime S. Sangma and Madona M. Marak of Nogorpara Higher Secondary School in second place.

The painting competition saw Anania G. Momin of Nogorpara Higher Secondary School took the top spot, with Pisan M. Sangma of Springfield Higher Secondary School in second place. In the solo folk song category, Anania G. Momin secured first place, while Grikbeanchi S. Sangma took second. For solo folk dance, Joshmi M. Sangma of Nogorpara Higher Secondary School was the winner, with Tensu D. Sangma of Springfield Higher Secondary School as the runner-up.

Springfield Higher Secondary School swept the group competitions, securing first place in both group folk dance and group folk song, with Nogorpara Higher Secondary School earning second place in both categories. The winners of this district-level event will advance to the state-level competition, thereafter National and then International-level competition, if they win, continuing their journey towards leadership and excellence.

This annual Youth Exchange Programme, organized by the District Sports Office of South West Garo Hills, serves as a platform for personal growth and cultural enrichment, further strengthening the district’s commitment to youth development.

Press Release No. 130/24

MEGHALAYA VILLAGE SHINES AT 5 TH NATIONAL WATER AWARDS, 2023

Khliehrangnah, West Jaintia Hills, has been awarded with the third rank in Best Village Panchayat category of the 5 th National Water Awards, 2023. This prestigious award was presented by Shri C R Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister of of Jal Shakti, while Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India, graced the award ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation for various categories in the field of water resources conservation and management.

The awards were presented to 38 winners in nine categories. This includes Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best Water User Association and Best Civil Society.

Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, commending the achievement, stated, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Khliehrangnah, West Jaintia Hills, for being awarded the Third rank in the National Water Awards 2023 in the Best Village Panchayat category. This award has been achieved due to the immense efforts of the community towards practicing Sustainable Water Management and the Government’s commitment to ensuring that our resources are used efficiently and responsibly. Such continued collaboration between the Government and communities will enhance the ecosystem and promote sustainability."

The award was received by Shri Lamluti Langstang, Village Headman, Khliehrangnah, West Jaintia Hills and Shri Gunanka DB, IFS, Executive Director, MBMA. Notably, Khliehrangnah is a project village under the Community-Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP), financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA). This achievement underscores the success of the CLLMP project in promoting community-led initiatives, enhancing water management practices, and fostering sustainable development in Meghalaya.

The National Water Awards focus on the good work and efforts made by individuals and organizations across the country in attaining the government’s vision of a Jal Samridh Bharat.