Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 232/16

STATE GOVERNMENT FELICITATES MEMBERS OF NATIONAL AWARD WINNING FILM ONAATAH, OF THE EARTH

The Government of Meghalaya today felicitated the cast and crew members of Onaatah, of the Earth which won the Rajat Kamal Award for Best Khasi Feature Film at the 63rd National Film Award 2016 at a glittering function held at Galleria Anjalee Cinema Hall, Shillong. The felicitation ceremony was graced by the Meghalaya Minister of Information and Public Relations, Mr. A L Hek as the Chief Guest. Other guests included Mr. Paul Lyngdoh, MLA, Producers Mr. Pomu Das and Mr. Shankar Lall Goenka. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hek congratulated the team of Onaatah, of the earth for putting Khasi Feature Film on the global map. Adding that Kurbah Films has taken cinema to a different level as far as the State and North East is concerned, Mr. Hek said that the award winning film is testimony that there is no dearth of talents in the State and we need to nurture these talents so that films from the region can be at par with the rest of the world. “Winning any award demonstrates that with commitment and great determination come success and accolades,” said Mr. Hek and expressed hoped that this award will be an inspiration to the younger generation who wants to make a dent in the film industry. Others who spoke on the occasion were Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. H M Shangpliang who delivered the welcome address, Mr. Shankar Lall Goenka, Producer/Film Distributor and Mr. Pradip Kurbah, Director. The film Onaatah of the earth revolves around a girl who is on a journey to rediscover the purpose of life and the diversity of relationships. The film was produced by Pomu Das and Marjina Kurbah of Kurbah Films in association with 3ME Entertainment, Maiti Pictures and Cat & Mouse Entertainment (Mumbai). The film is produced and co-produced by Arpana Kurbah, Jova Kurbah, Arhendimi Pala, Mayvaria Lyngdoh, Vishakha Singh, Ramesh Sharma, Shaiju Nambiadath, Pradip Daimary and Shankar Lall Goenka. Apart from bagging the Best Feature Film in Each of the Languages other than those specified in the Schedule VIII of the Constitution at the 63rd National Film Award, the film also had official selections at the Hong Kong World International Film Festival 2016, the Habitat Film Festival 2016 and the Opening Film, Festival of Cinma Manipur 2016. Mr. Shankar Lall Goenka, a pioneer of film exhibition in the State, was felicitated for winning the Best Picture in Bodo language at the 63rdNational Film Award 2016 for the feature film Dau Huduni Methai. He is also the Producer and distributor of Onaatah, of the earth. It may also be mentioned that Mr. Goenka was conferred with the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award in the year 2009 for his contribution to Indian cinema. He was also the recipient of Rajat Kamal for the Best Picture in Assamese language for the picture Ajeyo produced by him in 2014. Mr. Pradeep Kurbah, director of the award winning film Onaatah, of the earth started his career with his first film Mon Bajwat in the year 1997-98 followed by Hep in 2004-05. He also directed Dei Ma Phi in 2007-08 and Meshwa bad Melody in 2012. Then came the two big ones, Ri-Homeland of Uncertainty in 2013-14 and Onaatah- of the Earth, both of which won the National Film Award. Mr. Kurbah transforms the Khasi Film Industry and gives it that much needed thrust that would take it to new heights.

Press Release No. 233/16

RALLY, EXHIBITION AND CULTURAL PROGRAMME UNDER SWACHH BHARAT MISSION AT NONGPOH

The District Water & Sanitation Mission (DSWM) organized the Creating Awareness through Rally, Exhibition and Cultural Programme on Sanitation under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM – GRAMIN) today the 13th at District Library Auditorium, Nongpoh where Dr DD Lapang, Chief Adviser to the government of Meghalaya, attended the programme as the chief guest in the presence of Shri Albinus Lyngdoh, local MDC of Umroi Constituency, Dr Pooja Pandey, Deputy Commissioner, ADCs, EACs, Officers from various departments and others. The programme commenced with a colorful and vibrant sanitation march participated by 17 Schools from Ri Bhoi District which started from MUDA Shopping Complex and ended up at District Library Office, Nongpoh. The programme also includes with the exhibition of various models under the topic sanitation displayed by school students and a cultural show performed by students and village youths from different localities. Furthermore, on the day, the certificate of Open Defecation Free Status was awarded to Jirang C&RD Block whereas the certificate Clean Organic Village awarded to Iamkhon village. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lapang, said that it is a proud privilege that Ribhoi has create a wave of Revolution and thus he conveyed his appreciation and congratulation to the PHE Department, the District Water & Sanitation Mission (DSWM), the RAWA in collaboration with the Deputy Commissioner for their untiring efforts in encouraging various villages in the district to become ODF. He congratulated the awardees village specially the Iamkhon, a far flung village for having achieved the award and this will encourage and also the example for others to strive for achieving ODF and total sanitation in their villages. Dr Lapang on the other hand, while delivering a speech to students said that young students, a future generation, you are not just to read nor write or speaking English but student means your are student in the real sense of a term, by adding that student must be presentable, dependable and humble enough as humility is greatness. He urged students to work hard and aim high in their studies with determination so that they can achieve the goal as a successful person and also to become great in their future career. Lastly he called upon students, the youths and people at large to maintain the spirit of cooperation to work together for ODF to make all villages fully sensitize within the time frame and also to make Ribhoi green. The day ended with the prize distribution to the winners of best exhibits and best slogans.

Meanwhile, Dr DD Lapang also on the same day he proceeded to NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem Nongpoh to attend the closing ceremony of the District Level Inter- School Athletic Meet 2016 Ri Bhoi District organized by the District Sport office, Nongpoh in the presence of Shri D.Hynniewta, ADC as the guest of honour. 30 schools from various localities of Ri Bhoi District participated in the three days sport meet. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lapang said that students are not just to run in the fields but also to run as part of their career. He lauded the sport department for taking initiatives in holding the sport meet in order to give the school children the ability to expose their talents in sport besides their academic activities, He also lauded and appreciated teachers of 30 schools for encouraging and guiding their students to take part in the sport meet. He also said that sport and game are indispensable part of education, hence he called upon students to actively participate and exert their talents and meanwhile urged them to refrain from pride but instead to remain humble with strong vision. He also called upon students to eschew themselves from bad habits so that they can built a bright and prosperous future. Later prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of various events includes the Best Boys and Girl’s team of U-14, U-16 and U-19, Best Discipline, and the over-all Championship 2016 bagged by St. Paul’s Secondary School Nongpoh. The programme concluded by lowering of the Flag Sport meet by the chief guest .

Press Release No. 234/16

EXCELLENT COACHING CLASS HELD

An Excellent Coaching Classes was inaugurated in Mendipathar College by the Principal of the college on May 11, 2016. The coaching will be run in collaboration with career and counselling cell of Mendipathar College sponsored by the university Grants Commission. The programme is being inspired by the Deputy Commissioner, North Garo Hills, Mr. S C Sadhu in connection with the programme “Youth Festival”