Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 731/04

PARENTS’ DAY CELEBRATED AT THE STEPHEN MEMORIAL SCHOOL

Parents’ Day was celebrated today at the Stephen Memorial Secondary School, Mawlai Mawroh, Shillong, with great joy and fanfare. The Chief Guest on the occasion was the Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board, Mr. P.T. Sawkmie, who is also the local MLA, while the Guest of Honour was Sister Provincial Christina Mynsong.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sawkmie said that from a humble beginning of only 11 students in 1982, the school now has nearly 1000 students, which bears testimony to the academic progress of the school. While acknowledging the fact that due to the Mission Schools, Shillong has been regarded as the ‘best educational centre’ in the North Eastern Region, he said that the Catholic Missionaries has sacrificed their homeland and their life in catering to the needs of the people in the State and dedicate their service to educate the people here.

Congratulating the parents for their hard work and sacrificial love that they have shown towards their children by sending them to school so that they can be assets to the locality and the State as a whole, Mr. Sawkmie said that parents should be responsible and ensure that their children are well disciplined and avoid all bad habits that are detrimental to the society and the State as a whole.

Stating that the School is like a factory which produces great talents and help students shines in any field they choose, Mr. Sawkmie urged upon parents to encourage their children to explore every job opportunity available on private firms and not to depend on Government jobs. He further urged upon the students to work hard to make the dreams of their parents come true.

In connection with other infrastructures needed in the school, Mr. Sawkmie assured the gathering that he will include the construction of the basketball court and the extension of the school building in his MLA Scheme. Therefore, he sought the cooperation of the school management, the parents and the locals so that he can work for the betterment of the Constituency and the State as a whole.

Apart from entertainment programmes presented by the students, others who spoke on the occasion includes Sister Provincial Christina Mynsong and Mr. J. Durong. While the function was chaired by Mr. Paia B. Synrem, Assistant Teacher, the Headmistress of the School offered the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 732/04

PLOT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MONUMENT AT KYNDONG NONGKHLA DONATED

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh has informed that a plot of land measuring 2,470 square feet has been donated by Kong Berinsimai Nongrum, Lower Lachumiere, Shillong to the Government for the construction of a monument in memory of the 10 unfortunate people who died in the helicopter accident on September 22, 2004 at Kyndong Nongkhla near Kyrdemkulai.

In this regard, the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Mr. W. L. Lyngdoh has conveyed his gratitude to Kong Berinsimai Nongrum for her gracious act.

Further it was also informed that the footpath leading to the spot is near completion.

Press Release No. 733/04

MUKUL CALLS FOR ATTITUDINAL CHANGE AMONG DISTRICT OFFICERS

The Meghalaya Minister for PWD, etc Dr. Mukul Sangma has called on the officers of various departments in West Garo Hills Distract to have an attitudinal change and to come up with innovative ideas while formulating plans for their respective departments. He was addressing the officers at the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) meeting as its Chairman at the Circuit House, Tura on November 2, 2004.

While stating that the departments are in a better position to understand the needs of the people in their respective areas, Dr. Sangma however, said that the district officers should plan in such a way that it is in conformity to the changes in the Government’s programmes and policies. “We cannot plan things that we cannot achieve”, he said, and urged the officers to enlighten themselves on the new initiatives being taken by the Government in the Centre as well as in the State. He assured the officers coming from the district level and hoped that the DPDC would serve as a good platform for development of the region.

Other members of the Council, namely the Deputy Chairman and West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Mr. S. J. Jagannathan, MLAs Mr. Mohindra Rava, Mr. E. K. Sangma, Mr. A. K. Sangma, Mr. Gopinath Sangma, Mr Zenith Sangma and Mr. Nidhuram Hajong also attended the meeting.

Later, the officers of the different departments were split into four groups and each group was placed under two DPDC members for discussion. At the end of the discussions, the members and the officers reassembled for final summing up with the Chairman.

The Chairman informed the officers that this was only a preliminary exercise for interaction and discussion on the plans prepared by them and another meeting would be held on November 6, 2004 to formulate the draft for the coming year.

Press Release No. 734/04

STATE LEVEL 12TH NATIONAL CHILDREN’S SCIENCE CONGRESS INAUGURATED

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr D D Lapang today inaugurated the State Level 12th National Children’s Science Congress 2004 organised by the State Council of Science and Technology and Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya and supported by the Planning Department, Meghalaya.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lapang lauded the SCSTE for their efforts to create awareness among the children on the importance of Science and Technology and the benefits that can be derived from it. He informed that the State Government is taking serious efforts to promote Science and Technology in the State.

While encouraging the children to take interest in scientific activities, Dr Lapang said that the children should keep themselves updated with the latest developments in science and technology and that they should have determination and vision with a goal to achieve. He hopes that the Science Congress would be a good platform for the children to express their scientific talents and innovative ideas and to equip themselves with better scientific mind.

It may be mentioned that there are 31 teams selected from different districts of the State to participate in the Science Congress with the theme ‘Water harnessing’. Each team consists of 4-5 members of children of the age group between 10-17 years. Out of the 31 teams, 8 will be selected to represent the State in the National Level Children Science Congress to be held in Guwahati, Assam in the later part of December this year.

Others who spoke in the function, were the Commissioner & Secretary Science and Technology, Mr P S Thangkhiew and the Member Secretary SCSTE, Mr R D West.