Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 526/10

CHILDRENS DAY CELEBRATED AT RAJ BHAVAN

Shillong, November 13, 2010: Students and teachers of Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre, Umniuh Khwan, Ri Bhoi District gathered today, the 13th November, 2010 to celebrate Children’s Day at the Raj Bhavan, Shillong wherein the Governor of Meghalaya, Mr. R S Mooshahary was the Chief Guest.

It may mentioned that Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre, Umniuh Khwan, Ri Bhoi District has been selected for the National Child Award for Best Institution working in the field of Child Welfare. Sr. Merly Tom Kizhakayil, MSMHC, Director of the Institute will receive the Award from the President of India at a function to be held in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on November 14, 2010 on the occasion of Children’s Day. The Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 1, 00,000/-, a citation and a certificate.

While lauding the services rendered by the management, teachers and caretakers of the Centre, the Governor in his speech said that there is a lot of improvement in the overall bearing of the children and this he said is the testimony of the hard work, dedication and love of the teachers and the caretakers. Commending the good work done by the Centre in educating the physically challenged children, giving shelter and trained them in different activities, Mr. Mooshahary said that most importantly, the Centre has showered love on these children so much so that the children have identify the Centre as a home away from home. Wishing the children on the occasion of Children’s Day, Mr. Mooshahary hoped that the children rise, rejoice and grow and work towards the realization of their dreams.

The children of the Centre also presented songs, dances and skit to celebrate the occasion.

Press Release No. 527/10

LOK ADALAT 2010 HELD IN SHILLONG

Shillong 13th November, 2010: the Annual Lok Adalat organized by the Meghalaya State Level Service Authority in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills District, Shillong was held today the 13th November at the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Jail Road, Shillong. The event kicked off with the inaugural function which was chaired by Shri. J. Lyngdoh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, other dignitaries includes Smti. C Kharkongor, MCS, Senior ADM, east Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Shri W Diengdoh, Registrar, High Court and Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Service Authority, Shillong, Shri L. M Sangma, Secretary Law Department, Meghalaya Shillong, Shri R.R Marak, MCS, Additional District magistrate (Judicial), Shillong, Magistrates, Judges, conciliators and many others.

The Lok Adalat seeks to dispose of pending cases and today over 200 cases were discussed.

Speaking at the inaugural function Smt C Kharkongor, highlighted the importance to achieve justice in a speedier and less expensive manner. However, Meghalaya has achieved some speedy reconciliation. She call upon the Conciliator to try to resolve pending cases today.

Shri L. M Sangma stated that efforts are being made to adopt procedures to speed up reconciliation.

Press Release No. 528/10

32ND HUNDRED DRUMS WANGALA FESTIVAL HELD

Tura, November 13, 2010: The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma has called upon each and every citizen to join hands in preserving their rich traditional culture and customs of the region. He was addressing the 32ndHundred Drums Wangala Festival at Asananggre, the headquarters of Rongram C and RD Block, West Garo Hills, 18 km from Tura town on November 13, 2010 .

Dr Mukul said that through the Wangala Festival, the cultural heritage of the Garos can be preserved. He urges upon the people to participate and contribute towards promoting the festival to higher levels making it a more spectacular event, particularly, as a tourist attraction. To achieve this goal, the youth has to be motivated and should be involved in the process, he added.

Dr Mukul said that Wangala Festival has always been a major tourist attraction in the State of Meghalaya and by preserving it, the economy of the area in particular and the State in general will definitely grow. Besides it will keep alive the cultural identity of the Garos.

Dr Mukul also informed during his speech that the Chief Minister’s Youth Development Programme has been enhanced for preserving and promoting the culture and traditions, like music and dances of the indigenous people of Meghalaya. Later, the Chief Minister also released the magazine of the A’chik Literature Society called “A’chik Ku’rang.”

It may be mentioned that altogether 10 Wangala dance troupes drawn from different parts of Garo hills took part in the festival and competed against each other to be the winner of the best Wangala dance troupe 2010. Apart from the competition by the dancing contingents of Garo Hills, this year the Wangala dance troupes from Bangladesh, Assam and Nagaland also displayed their skills at the festival.

Among others who attended the festival were Chairman MTDC, Mr R V Lyngdoh, Ismail Marak, Francis P Sangma and Samuel Sangma.

The other highlights of the day were the performance by the Wangala drummers of Garo Hills who participated during the opening ceremony of the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2010 held in New Delhi .