September 20, 2004

Shillong, September 20, 2004: As part of the activities of the Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA), 2004, the District Organising Committee, organised a Science Exhibition and Debate at Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Tura, on Friday last. In the inaugural function, attended by the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills and President of the District Organising Committee, Mr. S. Jagannathan, the Chief Guest on the occasion was the Pro-Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Tura Campus, Prof. S.S. Khare.

In his speech, Prof. S.S. Khare was appreciative of the topics selected by the District Organising Committee as they were truly relevant to the region. He said that Science is nothing but a way of thinking and approach to life and added that the students were the best target group for creating scientific awareness. Stating that there was no need for artificial bifurcation of Science and Arts subject, as there was a touch of Science in every subject, the Pro-VC suggested opening of Science Clubs in schools where they could have science activities and invite scientists or mathematicians for scientific interaction at least once a month. However, he said, that having only scientific knowledge without constructive purpose would have no meaning, so our main objective should be to apply science to improve the quality of our day-to-day living.

West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Mr. S. Jagannathan in his brief address, said that usage of difficult and sophisticated scientific terms only befuddle the students and stressed the need to teach science in a manner that would make the children receptive to the subject.

Earlier, the District Coordinator and District Planning Officer, Mrs. S.N. Marak, in her welcome address, highlighted the programme chalked out for the coming months under YSA 2004.

It may be mentioned in the Science Exhibition, students from various schools of Tura, displayed their exhibits and models based on selected topics, including rain water harvesting, sanitation, food adulteration, jhum and soil conservation etc, while the Debate on the topic “Should Meghalaya go Organic?” was organised for the citizens in the age group of 35 years and above.

Shillong, September 20, 2004: In order to bring the administration and development closer to the people, Meghalaya Deputy Speaker and local MLA, Mr. P.W. Muktieh, convened a meeting of all the local leaders of the Mawhati Constituency at Umsohlait Parish Hall on September 17 last, to discussed on the demand of an administrative unit in the area.

During the meeting, Mr. Muktieh informed that a memorandum to this effect has been submitted to the Meghalaya Governor and Chief Minister and hoped that the matter be taken up by them at the earliest for the benefit and development of the area.

The meeting also formed a Committee called Mawhati Administrative Unit Public Demand Committee (MAUPDC) with Mr. P.W. Muktieh, MLA, as its Chairman, Mr. B.Pde and Mr. W. Shadap as its Vice-Chairman, Mr. T.W. Dorphang, General Secretary, Mr. S.Shadap and Mr. B.W. Trang, Assistant Secretary, Mrs. V. Kharnaior, Treasurer, Mr. L. Umbah and Mr. B. Matlai, Auditors, besides some executive members.

Shillong, September 20, 2004: The Superintendent of Fisheries, West Garo Hills, Tura, has informed that a Seminar-cum-Lecture on rearing of ornamental fishes (aquarium) will be organised at Rongkhon, Tura, on September 23, 2004 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Members of the public who are interested have been requested to avail this opportunity and attend the one-day seminar. However, no TA/DA will be arranged.

Shillong, September 20, 2004: South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Mr.T. Dkhar inaugurated the Centrally Sponsored Integrated Watershed Development Project (IWDP) at Siju Damik A’we on September 18, 2004.

In his inaugural speech, Mr. Dkhar lauded the members of Imbilnang Cultural Club for their constructive effort in bringing the centrally sponsored project to the area. He said that the basic aim of this project is to develop and conserve forests, water, plantations, etc, thereby enabling the rural people to find alternative for jhum cultivation. He added that water crisis has become a daily phenomena in every State and this scheme of the Central Government will be very helpful to the people. Under the project, the Central Government had sanctioned an amount of Rs.24.40 lakhs to Imbilnang Cultural Club of Rongsu Agal and the first installment of Rs. 15 lakhs had been released to the Club, Mr. Dkhar informed.

Others who spoke on the ocassion included Mr. Milan M. Sangma, MDC, Waggisek, retired DO, Soil Conservation, Baghmara, Mr. P. R. Marak and the Secretary, Mothers’ Union, Baghmara.

Shillong, September 20, 2004: The Jaintia Eastern College, Khliehriat, in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jaintia Hills District, organised the Science and Environment Day at Jaintia Eastern College, Khliehriat on September 17 with quiz, essay, drawing and painting competition. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. R. Rapthap, ADC, incharge Khliehriat Civil Sub-Division was the Chief Guest.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Rapthap lauded the organisers for organising such a competition to create awareness among the people regarding the importance of Science and Environment with regard to the coal belt in the area.

The main speakers of the day were Mr. C. Najiar, SDO, PHE, Khliehriat and Mr. E. Sungoh, Lecturer, Kiang Nangbah College, Jowai.

Later, Mr. Rapthap distributed the prizes to the students of Ambrose English School and Little Star Academy who bagged the 1st and 2nd prize respectively and Mr. P. Nongtdu, Principal JEC, offered the vote of thanks.