Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 20/22

WORLD CANCER DAY 2022 OBSERVED

The District NCD Cell, Office of the District Medical & Health Officer, NPCDCS East Khasi Hills in collaboration with the State Cancer Society & Pomlum PHC observed the World Cancer Day at Pomlum PHC on the 4th February, 2022. Dr S S Nongbri, Additional DHS cum State Nodal Officer (NPCDCS & HWC) Meghalaya attended the programme as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nongbri stated that the main aim of World Cancer Day is to give awareness and education about cancer to the general public as cancer is preventable with early detection and treatment. He also added that cancer is the 5th leading cause of death in the state of Meghalaya and with the rise of cancer cases in the state he stressed that people should change their habits for the better in order to minimize this ever increasing rise in cases.

During the day, speeches were also delivered, in which Dr Z Tariang, Dental Surgeon Pomlum PHC spoke on the topic “Oral Cancer” and Dr A Mawlong, In-charge Oncology Department, Civil Hospital, Shillong spoke on the topic “Other forms of Cancer”.

During the programme a short skit on the theme of World Cancer Day 2022 “Close the Care Gap” was presented by the students of College of Nursing, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong.

Press Release No. 21/22

MEGHALAYA TABLEAU WINS THIRD PRIZE FOR ITS TABLEAU IN THE REPUBLIC DAY 2022 PARADE AT NEW DELHI

The state of Meghalaya has won Third Prize for its tableau on ‘Meghalaya’s 50 years of Statehood and its tribute to women-led cooperative societies & SHGs’ from amongst the 12 States/UTs which participated in the Republic Day parade at New Delhi on January 26, 2022. This was announced by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India on Friday. Uttar Pradesh was declared as best state tableau of the Republic Day parade 2022 for its theme ‘One District One Product and Kashi Vishwanath Dham’. The second place went to Karnataka for its tableau based on ‘Cradle of Traditional Handicrafts’. Ministry of Education and Ministry of Civil Aviation were declared joint winners among Ministries and the Department of Posts took the first place in online voting.

In addition, for the first time, the general public was invited to vote for the best marching contingents and best tableaux in the popular choice category through the MyGov platform. The online poll was conducted between January 25-31, 2022. Maharashtra was voted as the best tableau among the States and UTs in the popular choice category. The tableau of Maharashtra was based on the theme 'Biodiversity and State Bio-symbols of Maharashtra'.

It may be mentioned that the tableau of the State of Meghalaya was an initiative of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of Meghalaya.

While India celebrates 75 years of Independence, Meghalaya, known as ‘the abode of clouds’, celebrates its 50 years of statehood. At its 50 years of Statehood, Meghalaya through this tableau honors the contribution of women-led Cooperative Societies & Self Help Groups (SHGs) to the State’s economy. The tableau showcases 2 products- Bamboo and Cane handicrafts and Lakadong Turmeric, the success and popularity of these products are a testimony to the relentless efforts of the women led Cooperative Societies and SHGs, and their contribution to the State’s economy. Meghalaya is renowned for its cane and bamboo craftswomen. Some of the notable products produced by these artisans include stools, baskets, mats, and winnowers. However, due to the availability of cheaper mass produced plastic alternatives, demand for cane and bamboo products declined, and almost led to the demise of the craft. Determined to revive the craft, women across several villages in Meghalaya came together to form Cooperative Societies and SHGs, these Cooperative Societies and SHGs now caters to demands from across the globe, increasing income levels of individual artisans and reviving a craft that was almost lost. The Lakadong turmeric, world renowned for its high curcumin content, attained its global fame due to the efforts of women-led cooperative societies and SHGs promoted by enterprising women of Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya, women like Padma Shri awardee Smt. Triniti Saioo. Lakadong Turmeric has a high curcumin content ranging from 7 to12 percent. The high curcumin content of Lakadong Turmeric is a combined outcome of a cultivar selectively bred by the villagers, soil and climatic conditions of the region, and above all the tender care given to each crop by its farmer. The entire value chain, from cultivation to processing and marketing is predominantly driven by women-led Cooperatives and SHGs which has been depicted on the tableau.