Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 272/19

5TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA OBSERVED

The 5th International Day of Yoga under the theme: ‘Yoga for Heart’ was observed by the Directorate of AYUSH, Government of Meghalaya today at the premises of Civil Hospital, Shillong. Health & Family Welfare Minister, Shri A. L. Hek graced the programme as Chief Guest. In his short speech, Shri A. L. Hek informed the gathering about the various health benefits and fitness associated with the regular practice of yoga. He also suggested on the need to practice yoga in order to improve the overall physical and mental health. Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health & Family Welfare Department and Director of AYUSH, Shri Pravin Bakshi was also present on the occasion.

Press Release No. 273/19

POLL VOLUNTEERS FELICITATED

In recognition to the contributions made by poll volunteers in the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Meghalaya today felicitated the youth organisations of Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides (MBSG), NSS and NYK at a function held at the Mini Conference Hall, Pine Mount Ridge. The felicitation programme was attended by the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya, Shri. F R Kharkongor as the Chief Guest, Additional CEO, Shri. R P Marak, Joint Secretary Social Welfare, Smti. C Kharkongor, officials from the Election Department and youth organisations. The Chief Electoral Officer, in his speech, said that deployment of poll volunteers during the Lok Sabha Election has been a successful experience for our young boys and girls who enthusiastically took part in the poll process where they provide and assist the voters especially the persons with disabilities, pregnant women and senior citizens. The combined efforts of these poll volunteers have resulted in a huge percentage of voters’ turnout, he said.

The CEO said that meaningful engagement of these youth organisations will be a continuation process through the Electoral Literacy Clubs set up in schools and colleges and the department will move this momentum of setting up of ELCs though these youth organisations. He said by engaging the youth, we will be able to ensure that no voter is truly left behind. The involvement of these youth organisations and educational institutions will be part of a long term goal and will bring people on board to see that all are involved in the electoral process, he said. The Joint Secretary, Social Welfare, Smti. C Kharkongor thanked the youth organisations for assisting and facilitating PWDs, weaker sections of society, pregnant women and old people through set up of help desks and offering temporary railing to physically challenged persons and old people. She said that their involvement is a motivation for the voters to turn out in huge numbers to exercise their franchise. Others who spoke on the occasion were Shri. R P Marak and Secretary MBSG, Smti. A Swer. During the programme, the CEO and the dignitaries also released the ELC materials and distributed to the youth organisations.

Press Release No. 278/19

9TH FOUNDATION DAY OF MEGHALAYA FILM MAKER'S ASSOCIATION

Meghalaya Urban Affairs Minister, Shri Hamlet Dohling today graced as the Chief Guest the 9th Foundation Day of Meghalaya Film Maker's Association (MeFiLMA) held at U SoSo Tham Auditorium, Shillong. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dohling lauded the association for taking the initiative to promote the local film makers and provide a platform for budding artists. The Minister also urged the local film makers to produce meaningful films for the benefit of the people at large. Earlier, Shri Commander Shangpliang, President MeFiLMA in his speech highlighted the problems faced by the local film makers in the state and urged the State government to provide assistance to promote local films and film making. Later in the programme, the members of the association submitted to the Minister a Memorandum pertaining to issues of local film makers. The programme was attended by local film makers, directors, producers and artists from across the State besides the public.

Press Release No. 279/19

MEGHALAYA ENTREPRENEURSHIP RECOGNITION AWARD

Chief Minister, ShriConrad K Sangma today awarded Shri Bonkey R Marak with the Meghalaya-Entrepreneurship Recognition Award (MEG-ERA) June 2019. Congratulating Shri Bonkey R Marak, a resident of Balsrigittim Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, who started a waste paper recycling centre by the name Ecocraft in the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Williamnagar, the Chief Minister said that the entrepreneurship of Shri Bonkey R Marak sends a strong message of recycling which goes in with the thought process of the government. He added that the government is focusing on waste management and initiatives like these are to be encouraged and emulated. It may be mentioned here that the main objective of Ecocraft, the recycling centre started by Shri Bonkey R Marak, is to collect everyday waste paper generated by every government school, college and office and to recycle and reuse the same in a bid to reduce the unnecessary dumping and littering of paper as waste material. Through the unit the discarded paper is recycled into file covers, file boards, four folding file, envelopes, file covers, document boxes, pen stands and waste paper bins. Though operational only in East Garo Hills for now, Bonkey hopes to soon expand his enterprise to the entire Garo Hills.

At present the grades of paper being accepted by the recycling centre for recycling includes, notepads, notebooks, photo copied documents on A3 and A4 sheets, books, letter heads, envelopes, file cover, boards, magazines, shredded papers, journals, brochures, catalogs etc, In addition to recycling, Ecocraft also conducts training programmes for interested people. Shri Bonkey looks forward to government offices and departments to donate waste paper, old newspapers and magazines for recycling at the centre thereby promoting and adding to the State’s vision to make our State clean and green.