January 13, 2022 - Shillongtoday

New Delhi, Jan 13: Taking on the initiative to showcase the beautiful and resourceful North East India, The NEW Expedition (North East on Wheels) was launched on Thursday in New Delhi.

The event was graced by Meenakshi Lekhi Minister of State for Culture & External Affairs, Government of India as Chief Guest in presence of other dignitaries.

To mark the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ 75 bikers from all over India will be a part of this journey which is organised by Amazing Namaste Foundation.

The expedition, which is set to flag off on April 8, 2022 from Guwahati, Assam will see participation by riders from across India each of them will traverse a distance of about 1400 kms across different states of North East in a span of eight days.

On their expedition riders will experience the vibrant and rich culture of Northeast, their sustainable lifestyles, their food habits and much more.

Speaking about their initiative, Atul Kulkarni, Chairman, Amazing Namaste Foundation, organizer of the event said, “North East is very close to my heart and has always surprised me with new learning. It is this beauty of the region which we all must have the opportunity to experience and hence we have conceptualisedNorth East on Wheels. We are sure many would like to join us on this expedition of exploring the North East region further. Through North East on Wheels our endeavour is to provide an experience of a lifetime to people who undertake this journey with us.”

The expedition will be connecting apart from other places, some of the important locations that are part of the country’s historic events.

They include Jowai, Moirang, Imphal, Kohima, Bumla Pass, Tezpur, among others.

The participants will be paying tributes to national heroes such as Rani Ma Gaidinliu, Kiang Nangbah, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Kanaklata, Jaswant Singh and others in their journey.

Lauding the initiative, Lekhi said, “North East has a rich cultural heritage and is a storehouse of talent. It is one of the best examples of people living in harmony with nature.”

According to her North East on Wheels is not just any expedition but a journey across the region to learn their way of life.

Lekhi said that the North East has a lot to offer but barring a few prominent places and tradition, many of the people are unaware of.

“Through North East on Wheels I am sure will provide an experience of a lifetime to people who undertake this journey. Such societal initiatives are sure to achieve much desired awareness about the region leading to empowerment. Hon Prime Minister’s call for DekhoApnaDeshis aimed at promoting domestic tourism and the North East is expected to benefit through this,” she added.

Out of all who register, 75 riders will be selected by a team of Senior and Experienced Bikers from different parts of the country.

At the launch program, a song, ‘Nikal Pade’ meaning ‘Set out/ Venture’ was also launched which captures the true spirit of the Young India ready to lead the future.

The song is written by Tanishk Nabar; sung by Sugandh Shekhar, Yadu Krishnan, Arun.S, Divya.S.Iyer; music by Arun.S, Music producer- VAVAE; Additional programmer- Yash Pagare; Vocal arranger & Supervisor- Divya.S.Iyer; Flutist- Kiran Baral and Mix & Master- VAVAE.

The main idea behind the song is to create an anthem for the young generation of the country and portray them as leaders taking India forward and being the best and encourage them to be the leaders in all walks of life.

Shillong, Jan 13: The number of electorates in Meghalaya has increased by 54,712 in the last year, Election department officials informed.

According to State, Chief Electoral; Officer (CEO), Frederick Roy Kharkongor, the final electoral rolls published on January 14, the total electorate stands at 20,81,570.

Male electorate accounts for 10,28,395 and Female enrolment is slightly higher at 10,53,173.

There are also two trans-genders amongst the electorate.

The total number of service electors is 3,822.

Kharkongor informed that the new electors in the age group of 18-19 years is 35,980, which accounts for 65 percent of the total additions.

The total numbers deleted due to death or shifting is 9,051 and corrections account for 23,224.

The CEO informed that gender ratio of the State as per census 2011 is 989, however gender ratio as per current electoral rolls 2022 is 1,024.

Hr also informed that there are a total of 3,335 Polling Stations across 60 assembly constituencies spread over 12 districts of the State, wherein 141 new polling stations have been created.

Kharkongor said that in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, intensive efforts were made to encourage online enrolment via contactless and digital mediums such as NVSP (National Voters Service Portal), VHA (Voter Helpline App) & the BLO GARUDA App. Registration through online mode accounts for nearly 30 percent of total enrolments.

The CEO informed e-EPIC download facility will be available only to the newly added electors for the present and this facility will however be gradually extended to all the general voters in the coming months.

“Door step delivery of EPICs will also be available after the National Voters’ Day on January 25th in a phased manner, as per the MoU executed by the office of CEO and the Department of Posts,” he added.

Kharkongor said that to provide a personal touch to newly registered voters, they will also be provided with a special ‘Voter’s Welcome Kit’, which contains a personalized letter to the elector along with a voter’s pledge in the forthcoming National Voters’ Day, 2022.