Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 160/24

SPOKEN FEST LIGHTS UP SHILLONG AT ICONIC WARDS LAKE

In a first, Shillong today hosted Asia largest Spoken Festival by Kommune, here at the iconic Wards Lake.The Spoken Fest lit up the city with raw energy, unfiltered stories, and voices that demanded to be heard at this one multi stage festival of expression. The festival supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, was graced by Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Honorable Tourism Minister along with Shri Cyril VD Diengdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism.

Shri Paul Lyngdoh said, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Honorable Tourism Minister in his address said, It is indeed a moment of joy and ecstasy for us in the department to see that experential tourism and the arts and culture are getting a fresh lease of life in Meghalaya. He expressed his gratitude to the local population for their support and the collaboration of groups and enthusiasts like Kommune and the artists who are participating.

Shri Lyngdoh stated that when spoken is mentioned as a brand, the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya have a long history of oral tradition, the stories, myths and legends are an old part of the history of the state even before introduction to the written word. A platform such as this allows young poets, writers, storytellers to elaborate and exchange with other artists of the community, and for Meghalaya budding artists to be provided with such a platform is a true tangible achievement. He expressed positivity that the youth of Meghalaya when given the opportunity to interact in such platforms will be another instance of commune and connect ensuring that the state strengths, including arts, culture, literature and music are provided with the best platform in the world.

Shri Cyril Diengdoh remarked that Shillong is the first city to have edition of Spoken Fest outside of Mumbai. He added that the platform gives the opportunity to local authors and other local talents to rub shoulders with the best in the country. He observed that Spoken Fest gives a chance to the best artistes in the world and in a way promoting Meghalaya tourism which will reach a wider audience. The day kicked off at the reverie stage, with performances by singer songwriter Clayton Hogermeer, and Shillong very own singer cum poets, Vancouver Shullai and Marbamonlang Rani took centre stage with their poems exploring themes of identity, home and family. Actress and social influencer, Kareema Barry, mesmerised the crowd with her mastery in storytelling on food, family, childhood, and her native city.

Later, the fest highlighted a showcase by Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, a state government aided platform, featuring pop soul artist Elena Sohktung. Poets Anees Ailynti Noronha, and Priya Malik & Tanmay Maheshwari delivered their performances with a poise Storyteller Laksh Maheshwari and Madhu Raghvendra ended the first session of the day. As the day broke, the festival hip hop and RandB artist, Meba Ofilia and and hip hop duo KhasiBloodz took centre stage and gave her electrifying performance, in addition to the music, the poetry lineup featured Merenla Imsong, Lalnunsanga Ralte, and Madhu Raghvendra. The storytellers curated for the Shillong edition included actors such as Amol Parashar and Merenla Imsong, plus poet Trinetra Haldar. The evening rejoiced with full of music, words and joy with these curated line up of the most authentic stories and poems also featuring banger food and flea selection and a new experiences.

As the curtains drew to a close, the festival culminated with one to one conversation between Bollywood actresses, Patralekha and Tillotama Shome, who engrossed themselves with topics like female friendships, family, outsiders in Mumbai creating their own space, unconventional choices as an artist. Moreover, When Chai Met Toast, an indie folk band, took center stage for a closing set that was nothing short of legendary.

Press Release No. 161/24

MEGHALAYA COMPREHENSIVE TB CARE 100 DAYS CAMPAIGN

The Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills District Shri R.Yanthan IAS launched the Meghalaya Comprehensive TB Care 100 days campaign and Flagoff Ni Kshay Vahan today at DPMU Conference Hall Baghmara DM & HO office complex.

While reiterating the need to have wider community engagement in making the 100 days TB care campaign a successful, the Deputy Commissioner calls for the active participation among all the stakeholders including the Nokma's and asked them to spread the message in their homes or in village and to spare at least five minutes even before the church service to create awareness on TB control and prevention efforts.

The major focus of the 100-day TB Elimination Campaign will be strengthening of diagnostic and treatment services particularly for the most vulnerable groups such as people living in remote areas, marginalized communities and individuals who are active or passive smokers, people who drinks excessively, diabetic and HIV patient etc.

The initiative will also expand nutritional support through Ni Kshay Poshan Yojana which provides financial aid to TB patient for better nutrition.

The Deputy Commissioner also stated that this 100 days TB Elimination Campaign will mark an important milestone in India's journey towards TB free nation by 2025. He further urged upon all the citizens of South Garo Hills, Government Departments and other individuals to provide more holistic support in making this campaign a success.

Others who were present and spoke on the occasion includes Dr Perosh R Marak DM & HO South Garo Hills, Dr Rikrak Marak, DM CHO DHS Baghmara, Dr Ruchi Tame D Momin MOTC Baghmara and others. During the program, as part of the state initiative a TB Survivors who have completed the skill development training have also been felicitated. Besides, Dr Baggio Robert Marak led the Pledge for making India a TB free nation.

Press Release No. 162/24

COMMERCE N INDUSTRIES, NIT TO LAUNCH INNOVATION N RESEARCH CENTRE FOR HANDLOOM N HANDICRAFT SECTOR

The Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, has entered a landmark agreement with the prestigious National Institute of Technology, NIT, Meghalaya. This partnership aims at establishing an Innovation and Research Centre in Shillong to revolutionize the handloom and handicraft sector of Meghalaya

The initiative, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) program of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and supported by the World Bank, aims to foster innovation, enhance product diversification, and improve the marketability of traditional crafts and textiles. This collaborative effort reflects the commitment to empower local artisans, weavers, tailors, and pattern makers, while preserving Meghalaya's rich cultural heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Friday Sutnga, Director, Commerce and Industries Department, expressed confidence in the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance competitiveness, market access, and product innovation. This Centre will pave the way for advanced research and innovation, leveraging the technical expertise of NIT Meghalaya to introduce sustainable, market-relevant designs and production techniques, he said.

Key objectives of the Centre are Research and development for innovative product designs, providing technical training and workshops for artisans, prototyping and introducing biodegradable product designs aligned with emerging market trends, and enhancing market access and competitiveness of MSMEs in the sector.

The Centres activities will unfold in three key stages First designers from reputed institutes will assess current products and customer preferences, preparing innovative designs to align with market trends, using sophisticated machinery and 3D printers at the Centre, NIT Meghalaya will transform these designs into high quality prototypes in the second stage and in the third stage, designers will train master artisans, who will collaborate with artisans and weavers at the cluster level to transform prototypes into final marketready products.

Under the RAMP initiative, supported by the Ministry of MSME, the MoU signed today will go a long way in redefining the handloom and handicraft sector of Meghalaya, empowering local communities, and preserving the state's traditional craftsmanship.