June 21, 2004

Shillong, June 21, 2004: The Inter Dong Football Tournament, organised by the Mawlai Sports Club (MSC), concluded on Friday last with a final match played at the Madanheh Stadium, Mawlai, Shillong. The Chief Guest on the occasion was the Meghalaya Minister for Excise and Irrigation, Mr. P T Sawkmie, who is also the local MLA.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sawkmie said that, besides selecting probable players to represent Mawlai Sports Club in bigger tournaments, the aim at holding such a tournament is to bring localities of Mawlai closer through sports. Stating that the standard of the game has been improving from time to time, he said that players should maintain the spirit of sportsmanship and strengthen themselves physically and mentally. Mr. Sawkmie also assured the Mawlai Sports Club that he will cooperate with the office bearers in whatever way possible.

It may be mentioned that in the final, Phudmuri SC defeated Nonglum SC by a solitary goal. Later Mr. Sawkmie distributed the trophy and a cash prize to the winning team, while Mr. D Lyngkot, Headman of Phudmuri gave away the trophy and cash prize to the runners-up team.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. D R Thangkhiew, President MSC, Mr. F Kharbuli, Chairman Players Welfare Committee and Mr. A Kharbuli, Secretary, Inter Dong Football Tournament.

Shillong, June 21, 2004: The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D. D. Lapang attended the closing function of the two days Inservice Training of Teachers at Ri Bhoi College, Nongpoh on June 18, 2004. The training held with the aim of equipping teachers with the art of motivation and human development was organised by the College in collaboration with the Guwahati based HRD experts and Mr. Kishore Kumar of the Empowering People Prayers Reforms. Altogether there were 31 participants in the training.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Dr. Lapang said that teachers play a very vital role in society. Terming them as nation builders, he said that teachers who share great responsibility, need to be trained in their field so that they can be assets to their students. Stressing on the importance of training, the Chief Minister said that in fact such training is required for every section of people in the society to transform present narrow-mindedness reigned by the spirit of self centre, jealousy, selfishness that destroy the fabric of society.

Lamenting upon the poor development among the students and the ever increasing number of drop outs in the State, he urged upon teachers to give their best to the students who are the pillar of our tomorrow.

The Chief Minister, who is also the President of the Governing Body of the College, handed over certificates to all the trainees.

Shillong, June 21, 2004: The Meghalaya Minister for Soil Conservation, Mr. P W Muktieh attended the 1^st Parents meeting of the Sanidan Presbyterian Upper Primary School, Sanidan, Ri Bhoi District, on June 19, 2004.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Muktieh lauded the Managing Committee of the school for holding such an important programme which brings teachers, parents and students closer and to learn about the functioning and problems of the school. The Minister said that education is the need of the day and an investment which cannot be taken away, and therefore called upon the parents to educate their children for the all round development of their life. He also urged upon the students to be sincere in their studies, obey their teachers and parents.

Mr. Muktieh also informed the gathering that the Government is setting up an Advisory Committee to review the system of education in keeping with the change of times. He also assured that he would look into the memorandum submitted by the Managing Committee with regard to upgradation of the school building.