Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 623/16

CHILDRENS DAY CELEBRATED AT RAJ BHAVAN

Along with the rest of the country Children’s Day was celebrated at Raj Bhavan in the city today. The celebration was organized by Raj Bhavan, Shillong in collaboration with the East Khasi Hills District Administration with the support from State Bank of India, Singhania Printing Press, Round Table India, Delhi Mistan and Madras Cafe, Shillong. Meghalaya Governor, Shri. V Shanmuganathan graced the momentous occasion as Chief Guest in the presence of Shri. Rophul Marak, Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Shri. P B O Warjri, Chief Information Commissioner, Shri. D P Wahlang, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Shri. P S Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shri. H M Shangpliang, Secretary to the Governor besides other senior Government officials and students from various schools of the District. In his speech, Shri. Shanmuganathan welcomed the students to the historic Raj Bhavan, stating that Raj Bhavan, Shillong is over a century old and is located amidst lush greenery. He also informed the gathering that Children’s Day is celebrated on the Birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The late Prime Minister was very much enthusiastic and warm hearted towards children and was also concerned for their welfare, rights, education and overall improvement, he further said. “The deep love of Chacha Nehru towards children is the big reason for celebrating Children’s Day on his Birth anniversary” said the Governor. He also took the occasion to appeal to all parents and teachers present to strive to be role models to their wards, adding that their every word and action has a direct influence in the lives of the children. The Governor also urged upon the parents and teachers to give time, care, love, affection and to raise their children in such a manner that they grow up to become responsible citizens of this great nation. Songs and dances presented by the students of K J P Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Sein Jaintia Secondary School, Garo Union Secondary School, and a One act play performed by ICCR and Department of Arts & Culture, Government of Meghalaya were some of the other highlights of the celebration. Later, Shri. Shanmuganathan also distributed trophies and certificates to the winners of the different schools who participated in the Raj Bhavan Sprint Meet, Raj Bhavan Painting Competition, Raj Bhavan Essay Competition and Raj Bhavan Speech Competition which was held on the 25th to 27th October, 2016 at J N Stadium and at U Soso Tham Auditorium premises, Shillong.

Press Release No. 624/16

MAIDEN CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL IN INDIA UNDERWAY IN CITY

The much awaited Cherry Blossom Festival, India’s first ever kick-started today in the city with Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr.Mukul Sangma inaugurating the festival at the Polo Grounds in the presence of Forest & Environment Minister, Shri. Clement Marak, MLA Shri. David Nongrum, Chief Secretary, Shri.K.S Kropha, Director, Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development (IBSD), Government of India, Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, Government officials and functionaries, tourists,civil society members, students and others. Organised by the Government of Meghalaya in association with the Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development (IBSD), Government of India, the four-day festival seeks to promote Meghalaya as a favoured tourist destination to many a domestic and international tourists. Hailing the maiden Cherry Blossom Festival to have ever been organised in the country, the Chief Minister said that the festival is a humble yet wonderful initiative while also stating that the festival represents one added flavour that does justice to the beauty of our wonderful Meghalaya. Showing his deep appreciation for the organic look that the festival wears, Dr.Sangma said that the festival is beautifully conceptualised while also expressing that he shares his sense of optimism as the State celebrates the country’s first ever festival of this kind. Recalling the recent accolade of Meghalaya bagging the pole position in being the First amongst States (Small States) on Environment at the India Today State of the States Conclave held at New Delhi, the Chief Minister took the occasion to applaud all the stakeholders including the public, for being instrumental in realising the feat that the State has achieved, while also stressing that the Government is trying to convince the people to connect livelihood with nature conservation and that with the unique, exclusive resources in our own backyard, the Government shall continue to strive towards achieving sustainable livelihood and prosperity for the people of the state. The Chief Minister on the occasion also emphasised that the Cherry Blossom Festival is one component that compliments the other attractions of the state also stating further that the festival would help facilitate the branding of the state to the outside world. The Chief Minister, at the end of the inaugural function visited stalls put up for exhibition and sale by various Government Departments and those put up by other groups and agencies and also planted Cherry saplings at the venue of the festival. A rendition of the famous Song “We are the World” by the Serenity Choir, cultural dances performed by Khasi, Garo and Jaintia troupes from among others were the added attractions of the inaugural event of the festival . It may be mentioned that the four-day festival, held across different venues in the capital city, in addition to the exhibition cum sale and food stalls, would also witness Drawing & Painting competition, Food fest, Story - telling sessions, archery, traditional and western music shows from among other attractions.