Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 120/23

NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY 2023 CELEBRATED IN THE STATE

The Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya in association with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India today organised a State Level Celebrations of the National Handloom Day 2023 at the NIFT, Shillong Campus, Umsawli. Textiles Minister, Paul Lyngdoh graced the programme as the Chief Guest and Nongpoh MLA, Mayral Born Syiem as the Guest of Honour.

In his address, Paul Lyngdoh called on the need for collective responsibility from all the stakeholders in optimising the God gifted talent which the weavers of the state are bestowed with. He expressed happiness to learn that there are 3rd generation weavers present in the programme and encouraged them to continue the traditions of their ancestors. While informing that the handloom products from the state have received appreciation from Europe and other parts of the world, the minister called upon the weavers to incorporate unique ideas and concepts into their work in order to cater and compete in the international market.

Speaking at the programme, Mayral Born Syiem stressed on the need for a Geographical Identification (GI) tag for Ryndia products as it will be beneficial in maintaining its unique identification and recognition. He reiterated the importance of preserving and upholding the traditional traits of rearing, spinning, dyeing and weaving.

During the programme Pehchan Card and Yarn under Income Generation Programme were given to the beneficiaries by the minister and the dignitaries. Awards were also presented to various individuals and Cooperative Society of the state. Award for Best Cooperative Society was given to Mukhap Handloom and Handicraft Cooperative Society, West Jaintia Hills District. Best Handloom Entrepreneur was awarded to Nanchang Diwon, RiBhoi District. Successful Independent Weaver award was presented to Smti Ivy Lorna R Marak. West Garo Hills District. Efficient Weaver of Departmental Centre Award was given to Smti Manju Rabha, East Khasi Hills District while the award for the Longest Serving Weaver was given to Smti Menri A Sangma, West Garo Hills District. During the programme the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries released a Coffee Table Book on Meghalaya Silk titled Woven Narratives and also unveiled the Textile Map of Meghalaya.

Press Release No. 121/23

STATE EDUCATION MINISTER FELICITATED TEACHERS UNDER KA LAWEI PROJECT

The District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat today organised a felicitation programme for teachers of classes of 8, 9 and 10 under the project Ka Lawei at the Auditorium Hall of Don Bosco College, Byndihati, East Jaintia Hills District. The Minister of Education Department, Government of Meghalaya, Shri. Rakkam A. Sangma, attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of 5 Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency, was the Guest of Honour, and Shri. H. M. Shangpliang, Advisor to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department, was the Special Guest. The project Ka Lawei Digital Learning for a Brighter Tomorrow is a project initiated by the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills District with the objective to provide opportunities of learning to student studying in remote areas which is at par with the school in the urban areas. The Digital Smart class rooms were introduced to 50 schools of the district.

In his address as the chief guest, Shri. Rakkam A. Sangma, the Minister of Education Department, Government of Meghalaya, emphasized the importance of education as the most powerful tool for a community, state, or nation to survive in this competitive generation. He expressed that Meghalaya has untapped potential, assets, and resources to become a top educational hub in the country. He mentioned the Ka Lawei project, focusing on digital learning to inspire and motivate teachers and enhance students learning capacities. The Meghalaya Government, led by the Chief Minister, is dedicated to improving the education system and making it one of the best in the country he said. He called for all stakeholders to work together to improve the overall education scenario in the state. The Minister also informed the gathering of students and teachers that the Government of India, Ministry of Education has implemented a new education policy, shifting the system of teaching and learning towards knowledge oriented approaches. He urged students and teachers to broaden their horizons beyond textbooks and develop a mindset and knowledge to connect with the rest of the country and the world.

Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, the MLA of the 5 Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency, delivered a speech where she urged teachers to give their best while imparting knowledge to students. She also praised the district administration, led by the Deputy Commissioner, for the successful implementation of the Ka Lawei digital project, a project aims to enhance teaching and learning methods and enable both teachers and students to adapt to modern educational approaches.Furthermore, Smt. Santa Mary Shylla announced her contribution through the Special Rural Works Programme (SRWP) and will be donating Rs. 10 lakhs to schools in the district to procure backup power systems, an initiative intended to address the issue of power cuts and ensure uninterrupted access to education in the district.

Shri. H. M. Shangpliang, Advisor to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department, expressed his optimism about the digital learning project Ka Lawei and hoped for its introduction in many more schools across the district. He emphasized the governments commitment to providing additional facilities to ensure that children benefit from these smart classrooms. He also stated that the government is dedicated to bringing revolutionary changes to the education system of the state in the education sector through various initiatives and steps taken by the government.

During the program, the Minister Incharge of Education Department, Government of Meghalaya, Shri. Rakkam A. Sangma, Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of 5 Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency, and Shri. H. M. Shangpliang, Advisor to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department, felicitated and presented mementos to nine teachers from different schools who teach Mathematics, Science, and Social science for classes 8, 9, and 10. Awards were also given to three schools for their outstanding performance in implementing the Ka Lawei Project. The event also included a screening of a short video clip providing an overview of the Ka Lawei Project. The Education Minister along with other dignitaries inspected a smart digital classroom at Byndihati Secondary School, Byndihati. Later in the day, the Minister In charge of Education chaired a review meeting with the officials of the Education Department of the District and interacted with the Primary teachers of the district at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Khliehriat.