Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 41/22

REGIONAL OUTREACH BUREAU, SHILLONG ORGANIZES EXHIBITION CUM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON 17.02.2022

A two-day Exhibition cum Awareness campaign on ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘COVID Appropriate Behaviour’ was inaugurated by Director Don Bosco Technical School Fr. Saji Stephenat Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong today.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Stephen said that he feels proud of being an Indian and happy for being Free in this Democratic Country. Remembering the great Freedom Fighters of this land with honour, Fr. Stephen said that we should remember our Freedom Fighters, who had laid down their life for our future, with love and appreciation. In addition to the many known Freedom Fighter whose names got scripted in the History, there are many unsung heroes who had fought bravely with the British to attain this Independence and the freedom that we enjoy today, he added. He was very categorical when he said, “we are not history makers but we are part of the history. And if we do not know our history we fail to know our roots and fail to appreciate the great works of our freedom fighters”. He expressed his firm belief that the celebration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahatsov’, for commemorating 75 years of Independence, will help all of us to understand and appreciated our glorious history and our rich tradition.

He appealed to all the participants that as we celebrate the 75 years of our Independence, it is up to all of us to work to uphold the dreams that our Freedom Fighters had for this Country for a united India, it is our duty to know our Constitution, our rights and our duties for the Country. Speaking on the precautions to be taken for COVID 19, Fr. Stephen said that although the COVID-19 pandemic in India is showing a sustained declining trend but we should not let our guards down. He, however, expressed his belief that by following COVID Appropriate Behaviour we will be able to address the challenge of Covid-19 while minimizing its impact on lives and livelihood of the people.

Principal,Don Bosco Technical School Fr. Arcadius Puwein, who was the Guest of Honour of the programme exhorted the young generation to follow the noble principles and ideals of the great freedom fighters in spreading brotherhood and unity in the country.

Dr Engam Pame, Director ROB Shillong in his welcome address explained the purpose behind holding this exhibition. He said that ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. It is also an initiative to remember the freedom fighters of India and their sacrifices for making India a free nation, he added.

Prof. Amena N Passah, Professor,History Department, NEHU, Shillong during the technical session spoke on the glorious history of the Freedom Fighters from Meghalaya including the soldiers from Khasi Hills who were part of Indian National Army under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose. Dr R. Lyngdoh, Joint Director of Health Services, Govt. of Meghalaya, Shillong spoke of the COVID Appropriate Behaviour and demonstrated the proper ways of adhering to COVID Appropriate Behaviour.

The Photo Exhibition was later inaugurated by the Guests towards the end of the Inaugural Programme. The exhibition is open for all from 10am to 5pm of Feb 18, 2022.