Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 139/05

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day will be observed throughout the world on March 08, 2005. As part of the celebration, the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong is organising a two-day training-cum-workshop for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) of the District at the Talents Club, Shillong from March 7, 2005. Presided over by the Director Social Welfare, Meghalaya, Shillong, Mrs. L. Diengdoh, the Chief Guest at the inaugural session was Padmashree Silvereen Swer. Also present on the occasion were Padmashree Theilin Phanbuh, (Retd) Director of Health Services, Dr. D. Roy and Officers of the Social Welfare Department. The training saw the participation of various NGOs and Women’s Organisations from the District.

In her inaugural address, Mrs. Swer said that women have been given various rights which has been enshrined in the Constitution of India, such as right to constructive living, right to good health, right to security, right against social injustice etc.,. Stating that most women are ignorant of their rights, she expressed hoped that through this workshop, women organisations can have a better knowledge and understanding about their rights and how to improve the standard of living of womenfolk through various schemes offered by the Social Welfare Department. She further urged upon women organisations who participate in the workshop to disseminate to other fellow women whatever information and knowledge they received.

Stating that power and strength are the prerequisites that a woman must have to raise a family against all odds, Dr. D. Roy, (Retd) Director of Health Services, in her speech, said that women are the builders of a community and upon them lies the shoulder of responsibility of maintaining a quality and healthy family. She expressed hope that the workshop will prove beneficial for womenfolk so that they become best managers, nurse and teacher to a family, while quoting the words of Napoleon “Give me a good healthy mother and I will give you a good nation”.

Other speakers of the day included Padmashree Theilin Phanbuh, Mrs. I.D. Lyngwa, District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills, Shillong, who delivered the welcome address and Mrs. P. Myrchiang, Programme Officer (ICDS) who offered the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 140/05

TWO DAYS SPECIAL INTERACTIVE PROGRAMME HELD AT GABIL

A two day Special Interactive Programme (SIP) was held on March 4th and 5th, 2005 at Gabil village. The Chief Guest on the occasion was the Commissioner of Division, East, West and South Garo Hills, Mr. P. Kharkongor, who also formally launched the Total Literacy Campaign (TLC). The programme was organised by the Office of the District Public Relations Officer, East Garo Hills District, Williamnagar, and jointly sponsored by the District Literacy Council and District Disaster Management Committee, Williamnagar.

In his inaugural speech, Mr. Kharkongor lauded the organisers for implementing this innovative scheme for the benefit of the people. With regard to the launching of Total Literacy Campaign, Mr. Kharkongor said since the attainment of Statehood, people in the rural areas are still lacking behind in terms of literacy, but he however expressed hope that the literacy rate will increase in the District, especially in the rural areas, with the launching of TLC.

The meeting was presided over by the District Public Relations Officer, Mr. L.R.Ch. Momin. Others who spoke on the occasion included the Deputy Commissioner, East Garo Hills District, Mr. E.P. Kharbhih, ADC, Mr. A. Ch. Marak, Secretary of Gabil village Council, Mr. L. Marak and Mr. B. Hajong, ADC who delivered the vote of thanks.

The other highlights of the programme were drawing and painting competition, prize distribution and group discussion on the second day wherein around 50 persons including the Nokmas, Laskars, youths, teachers and elders participated.

Press Release No. 141/05

16TH IGNOU CONVOCATION

Together with other 21 Regional Centres in the country, the “Sixteenth Convocation” of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was held on March 5, 2005, with His Excellency, the President of India as the Chief Guest for all Centres. In Shillong, the function was observed at the Shillong Regional Centre, Sunny Lodge, Nongshilliang, Nongthymmai, Shillong with the Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Lambor Malngiang as the Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Malngiang congratulate the students of the Shillong Regional Centre who passed out in various courses. Stating that IGNOU plays an important role in motivating people of all age group to enhance knowledge through Distance Education System, Mr. Malngiang said that IGNOU provides education to students who are compelled to leave their studies to financially support their family. He also informed that the attraction of students towards IGNOU is increasing as it has courses which are job oriented. He then urged upon the graduates to take up post-graduate courses in IGNOU and also urged upon the talented youths from rural areas to come forward and avail the courses offered to by IGNOU. He also expressed hope that in the near future IGNOU will prove to be one of the pillars of education in promoting the youth.

The function was conducted by the Deputy Director, IGNOU, Shillong, Dr (Mrs). D. Laloo while the vote of thanks was delivered by Smti. P. Kharnaior, Section Officer, IGNOU, Shillong.

The other highlights of the day were Tele-Convocation via Satellite from EMPC, IGNOU Headquarter, New Delhi, presentation of degrees and diplomas by the Guest of Honour to 48 successful candidates from Shillong Regional Centre and speech from some successful candidates.