Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 1150/17

CHIEF JUSTICE LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF COURT BUILDING AT MAIRANG

In what could be termed as a historic day for the people of Mairang Civil Sub Division, the Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Dinesh Maheshwaritoday, laid the Foundation Stone for the permanent Court building of the Judicial Magistrate (1st Class)at Mawsawa, Mairang in the presence of Smt. Roshan Warjri, Minister i/c Law etc, members of the legal fraternity and District and Sub Divisional Officials. The Chief Justice of Meghalaya while speaking on the Occasion said that building of a permanent court complex in Mairang was accorded a high priority by the High Court of Meghalaya and hence the result is seen today with the formal commencement of the construction of the Court Building. Lauding the efforts of the officials from the High Court Registry, Law Department PWD department and district and sub divisional officials, he said that it is the fruits of the hard labour of these departments which has made this particular project going with the identification of land for starting the court complex, finalisation of the building plans and then having the foundation stone laid today. He further assured the gathering that construction of the Court Gathering will be done very fast. Praising the hospitality and warm spirit of the people of Mairang, the Chief Guest likened the Sub Division to the moon. He said that any planet cannot exist without a satellite, and as the moon gets the earth going, Mairang is no less than the moon of Meghalaya.

Smt. Roshan Warjri, Minister of Law who also spoke on the occasion said that the laying of the foundation stone is landmark event where the people of this area are able to see the light of day. Stating that the building will be an asset for the people of Mairang who will reap the benefits which the judiciary has to offer, she expressed hope that the construction of the building will be completed within the stipulated period of 16 months. Others who spoke on the occasion were Smt F M Lakiang, SDO in-charge Mairang Civil Sub Division and Smt. G Rani, District & Sessions Judge, West Khasi Hills who delivered the vote of thanks. It may be mentioned that a full-fledged Court of the Judicial Magistrate (1st Class) is presently functioning from a temporary building in Mairang.

Press Release No. 1151/17

100 DRUMS WANGALA FESTIVAL CONCLUDES

The post-harvest festival of the Garos, the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival concluded on a colourful note in the presence of huge gathering at Asanang today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion as Chief Guest, Zenith M Sangma, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya lauded the pioneers of the wangala committee for their endeavour and also for conceptualizing the idea to preserve the rich culture of the Garos through this festival which not only help to showcase the rich cultural heritage but also help the people connect with the rest of the world. Moreover, depicting the way of life of the people through dance form is unique, he added. He also urged the people to preserve the traditional system of justice practiced in the society and also to make the festival bigger and popular for which funds have been earmarked every year for organizing the festival It is also the endeavour of the government to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of every community by promoting such events as they actually benefit the people and help to pass on the benefit to younger generations, he added. Further, the Chief Guest also handed over the cheque of Rs. 20 Lakhs from the Government of Meghalaya to the Chairman of the wangala organising committee, L R Ch Momin.

Earlier, the Chief Guest accompanied by Chief Executive Member CEM, GHADC, Boston Marak, Local MDC, Ismail Marak, Director, Art and Culture, M War Nongbri, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tura Pravin Bakshi, and host of dignitaries were given a traditional welcome. It may be mentioned that the 100 Drums Wangala is the post harvest festival of the Garos, consisting of various thanksgiving rituals followed with merrymaking, music and dance. Apart from the usual dancing contingents, participation by different dance troupes from Shillong college, Karbi Anglong, North Garo Hills, Tura Government College, added more color and grandeur to the festival this year. Tourist from far and beyond including Germany, USA, England came to witness the wangala festival and enrich themselves with rituals called Rugala which is performed a day ahead of the wangala by the Nokma (A Village Chief) in which the offering of the first hand special rice beer along with cooked rice and vegetables are given to Misi Saljong, the Giver and Chachat Soa ceremony or burning of the incense at the pillar of his house performed on the next day to mark the beginning of weeklong wangala festival.