Month: February 2022

Meghalaya: Governor visits Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb. 28, 2022: Meghalaya Governor,  Satya Pal Malik today visited the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Upper Lumparing, Shillong. The Governor was welcomed by the Tibetan Settlement Officer, Pema Dhondup and MP, Tibetan Parliament in exile,  Tsering Dolma among others.

Addressing the gathering, Malik said that it was an honour to visit the monastery; he also mentioned that the Dalai Lama had visited the same monastery in the year 2014 and at the time advised the monastery to establish a Cultural Learning Centre. He further informed that the objective of such a cultural Centre is to impart the ancient Nalanda tradition of warm heartedness, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, self-discipline and ahimsa. He hoped that the centre will benefit everyone who is interested in learning the psychology and scientific aspect of Nalanda tradition in order to create a compassionate and peaceful society.

The Governor also lauded the Tibetan community for their humanitarian work such as distributing rations to the vulnerable and needy people and also in contributing to the Chief Minister’s fund during the unprecedented times of the Covid pandemic.

During the day, cultural shows were also presented by the students of the Tibetan community.

Hits: 20

“Science Fair” to mark National Science Day held in the city to commemorate the discovery of the “Raman Effect”

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb. 28, 2022: The event is observed in schools, colleges, universities, and other academic institutions throughout the country and includes a variety of activities such as science exhibitions, speech competitions, essay competitions, debates, quizzes, and so on.

This year, the Agastya International Foundation, Shillong (NGO), in collaboration with DSEL, organized a “Science Fair” to mark National Science Day at The Shillong Secondary School, aided by the Headmistress, Mrs Protima Das, with all safety precautions following the COVID protocol. A total of 30 students from The Shillong Secondary and Govt Girls High Sec School participated in this event. The students demonstrated various models based on science and astronomy. These students were trained by Agastya instructors Mrs Basanti Sharma and Mis Jyoti Kanwar. The students and visitors participated equally and with enthusiasm.

The main objective of the science fair on this day is to create awareness among students and everyone to tell them how science is important in their daily lives.

Teachers and students, along with their parents, from different schools, visited the fair; the participants seemed very excited and confident in gaining scientific experience and knowledge with the exposure to science models. Lastly, to conclude the science fair, all participants were provided with certificates as a token of appreciation.

by citizen Journalist: Basanti Timsina

Hits: 153

MCA U-19 Women’s Cricket Tourney: Shillong CA qualify for title match

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb 28: Shillong Cricket Association will meet South Garo Hills in the final of the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s Inter District U-19 Women’s Cricket Tournament after the former won the Zone 1 playoff match at Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi today.

South Garo Hills had qualified from the single-group Zone 2 on Saturday. Shillong topped Group A of Zone 1 and Ri-Bhoi Group B and these two teams met today to decide which of them would progress to the title match.

Ri-Bhoi won the toss and opted to field first but Shillong had a very good day with the bat, making 212/5 in 30 overs, with player-of-the-match Suriti K Ray hitting the first century of the tournament. She smashed 101 off just 69 deliveries, with 15 fours to her name.

In the chase Ri-Bhoi were able to keep up with the required run rate of 7 an over, that is until the run out of Ankita Sharma, who batted well for her 54. Her dismissal in the 14th over was a real blow to Ri-Bhoi’s chances and the team were eventually all out for 150 in 28.4 overs. Jayshree Singh returned the best figures of 4/30 in a disciplined bowling performance.

The final will be held on 3 March in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, which was the venue of the Zone 2 matches.

Hits: 17

MCA U-19 Women’s Cricket Tourney: SGH romp into final from Zone 2

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb 26: South Garo Hills won their third match on the trot to qualify for the final of the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s Inter District U-19 Women’s Cricket Tournament from Zone 2 in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills.

SGH defeated EGH by nine wickets thanks to the devastating bowling of Smillin N Sangma, who claimed the best figures of the tournament thus far with a haul of 7/9 in six overs.

As a result, EGH were dismissed for only 25 after winning the toss and electing to bat. SGH lost one wicket but completed the chase in just 4 overs, with Janika R Marak hitting 16 not out and Jaylynn R Marak 7 not out.

Their team thus progressed directly to the final. SGH topped the single-group Zone 2 with a full six points from three outings.

Meanwhile, in Group B of Zone 1, Shillong Cricket Association topped the group with a 3-run victory over South West Khasi Hills in Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi.

South West Khasi Hills won the toss and chose to field, and Shillong then managed 187/5 in a reduced innings of 26 overs a side. Suriti K Ray blazed a trail with 66 runs off 49 balls before she was run out.

SWKH gave Shillong a real run for their money but ultimately fell just short in the chase on 184/6. Indariakor Kharwanniang (29) and Nesilin Nongsiej (28) were the top-scorers.

The next match will be the Zone 1 playoff between Ri-Bhoi and Shillong. Ri-Bhoi qualified from Group A on net run rate, as all three teams (West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills, being the other two) had 2 points each.

The winners will go on to face South Garo Hills in the final on 3 March.

Hits: 12

Ranji Trophy: Madhya Pradesh celebrate innings win over Meghalaya

Shillong Today
Garib Kalyan Sammelan: Union Minister of State for DoNER B L Verma to attend programme in Shillong

Shillong, Feb 26: Meghalaya lost to Madhya Pradesh by an innings and 301 runs on day three of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match in Rajkot today.

Resuming on 16/0, still 422 runs away from making their opponents bat again, Meghalaya were all out in their second innings for 137, which was an improvement on their 61/10 on the first day.

Wallam Lyngdoh Kynshi was out off the fourth ball of the day, unable to add to his overnight score of 12, while Kishan Lyngdoh added a couple of runs before being dismissed for 6.

The guest professionals had a better second innings compared to their first but the top score among them (and for Meghalaya) was only 38, made by skipper Punit Bisht.

The tail managed to wag for some 20 overs after lunch, with Aryan Bora hitting 18 and Akash Kumar Chaudhary clobbering a six over third man, but the task was far too much and Meghalaya were bowled out in 56.2 overs

Meghalaya’s last elite-level match will be against Gujarat from 3 March.

Hits: 0

CM distributes cheques worth ₹42.10 Lakhs to 50 producer groups in Dalu

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb 25: In an effort to reach out to rural areas of the State to popularise State Government’s flagship farmers welfare programme – FOCUS, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday addressed FOCUS Programme at Dalu in West Garo Hills and at Dimapara in South Garo Hills.

At Dalu, Chief Minister distributed cheques worth ₹42.10 Lakhs to 50 Producer Groups. This make total disbursed of ₹1.62 Cr in Dalu Block. The intervention to provide financial assistance to different parts of the State through FOCUS programme is aimed to double farmers’ income.

At Dalu, he also disbursed ₹36 Lakhs to SHGs at the SHG Mela in the form of Community Investment Fund & Start Up Fund to women-led SHGs & Village Organisations of Dalu Block, West Garo Hills.

At Dimapara in South Garo Hills, he distributed cheques for financial assistance of ₹82.10 Lakhs to Producer Groups in Gasuapara Block, benefitting 147 farmers’ collectives through the FOCUS program.

Apprising the gathering of the FOCUS programme, the Chief Minister said that the flagship programme FOCUS is one of the biggest welfare programs in the Northeast where 4.50 lakh families amounting to 200 crores have been provided financial assistance post COVID.

“The last two years of COVID have been very difficult for everyone, more so for the farmers, through the FOCUS programme we have been able to support a lot of people,” he said.

Spelling out the features and implementation of the FOCUS programme he informed the gathering that the assistance is interest free and it is not a loan. He urged the gathering to form SHGs and producer groups to benefit from this scheme and various other missions, flagship programs and welfare schemes of the State government.

The Chief Minister distributed cheques worth 82.10 lakhs to 147 producer groups comprising of 1642 members during the programme at Dimapara.

Taking his mission further to connect with the people at the grass rot level and to sensitize the masses about various welfare and livelihood schemes and programs of the State government, the Chief Minister inaugurated the SHG Mela at Dalu and interacted with producer groups and farmers at the FOCUS meeting at Upper Bamonpara, Dalu.

Speaking to the gathering at Dalu, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said that the programme is a multi departmental programme to sensitize the people especially the farming community about the different schemes in various departments of the government. Talking about the plights of the farmers of the State he said, “The farmers of the State are so impoverished that they cannot afford money even for the basic and small farming activities like buying seeds or transporting the products to the market,” and added that they also faced issues relating to storage, packaging, lack of market linkage and training to add value to their products.

During his visit to Dalu, Chief Minister also inaugurated the Krimkro PRIME Hub, Slaughter Unit & Meat Processing Unit. Through the interventions of PRIME Entrepreneurship Meghalaya Programme, the State Government is supporting the aspirations of entrepreneurs by giving them the opportunity to expand their horizons.

The Govt has collaborated with social organisation Bakdil to help entrepreneurs, particularly the youth to gain knowledge, skills & expertise to start & expand their ventures.

“The government is aware of the challenges and is trying to address these issues through initiatives like FOCUS and Prime Hubs,” the Chief Minister said. He further added that through Prime Hubs the farmers, entrepreneurs, SHGs and the youth are imparted training, skill and knowledge in storing, packaging and marketing the products. “The government is contemplating on setting up at least fifty Prime Hubs across the State and these Prime Hubs also serve as Integrated Collection Centres for the farmers,” he informed.

Talking on the SHG Mela, the Chief Minister informed that in the past four years 40,000 SHGs with a membership of four lakh members have been formed. “Initiatives like the Prime Hub and FOCUS programme run on SHGs therefore the community’s participation is needed to drive and make these programs of the government successful along with the concerted effort of the officials and the NGOs,” he added.

Later the Chief Minister also visited the Dalu PHC and interacted with the Expectant Mothers. In his brief address, the Chief Minister said that the government is renovating, refurbishing and upgrading various health centers through funds from the World Bank and through the State’s own Budgetary allocation.

“The Dalu PHC definitely needs renovation and I assure you that the renovation of the PHC with the need for Staff Quarters and possibly the extension of the PHC building will be taken up on a priority basis,” he said. He further apprised the gathering on the Rescue Mission which focusses on abating the MMR and IMR in the State.

“The pregnant women especially the high risk expecting mothers are given special care, treatment and counselling by the doctors and ASHAs so that no precious lives are lost during the pregnancy and birth,” he said.

During his visit to Dalu, he also inspected the ongoing work of the Tura – Dalu road, which is funded by JICA with officials of NHIDCL. (EoM)

Hits: 9

MCA U-19 Women’s Cricket Tourney: WKH, Tura the winners on Day 5

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb 25: West Khasi Hills and Tura District Cricket Association won their respective matches in the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s U-19 Women’s Cricket Tournament today.

In Group A of Zone 1 at Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi, WKH defeated East Khasi Hills by four wickets. EKH won the toss and chose to bat, with captain and opener Monica Lyngdoh striking 35 as her team were restricted to 127/9. Player-of-the-match Sistilin Ryntathiang (5/24) was the most destructive with the ball, while Emisakani Warjri (3/26) and Sara Daffica Kharbani (1/18) also claimed wickets.

In the second innings, Blaridahun Dkhar (5/16) also snatched five wickets, disrupting the chase, but, ultimately, WKH were able to reach the target with the loss of seven wickets. Rupaiabakmenlang L Mawlong finished with a rapid 30 not out off 17 deliveries.

The other game saw North Garo Hills defeated by Tura by nine wickets in Zone 2. NGH won the toss and chose to bat but were restricted to 81/9 thanks to some fine bowling from Grimchi Ch Sangma (2/10), Nokambe M Marak (2/20), Pillika R Marak (2/23) and Chumasa R Marak (1/11). The No. 7 batter Julitha Sangma top-scored with 25.

Tura had little trouble in the chase, knocking off the required runs in just 13.3 overs. Pillika crafted an unbeaten 42 and thus batted her second consecutive player-of-the-match award.

Tomorrow Shillong Cricket Association will face South West Khasi Hills in Group B of Zone 1, while South Garo Hill will be up against East Garo Hills in Zone 2.

Hits: 25

Ranji Trophy: Meghalaya require 422 more runs to make MP bat again

Shillong Today
Garib Kalyan Sammelan: Union Minister of State for DoNER B L Verma to attend programme in Shillong

Shillong, Feb 25: Meghalaya survived a difficult seven overs late on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Madhya Pradesh without loss but will have an uphill task when play resumes tomorrow.

In Rajkot yesterday Meghalaya were all out for 61 and MP had made 141/2 by stumps.

Today, MP resumed their first innings with a more aggressive mindset as their batters took the attack to the Meghalaya bowlers. In the end, they declared on 499/6 and Meghalaya finished the day on 16 for no loss in seven overs.

Two MP players reached their centuries today – Shubham Sharma (111) and Akshat Raghuwanshi (100). The dismissal of the latter, caught and bowled by guest professional Ravi Teja, saw Madhya Pradesh declare their mammoth innings.

The other wickets to fall today were claimed by Meghalaya domicile players – Akash Kumar Chaudhary (2/77), Kilco Marak (1/89) and Aryan Bora (2/124). This was Kilco’s first Ranji Trophy wicket as he is making his debut in this format of the game.

MP would have wanted to remove one or two Meghalaya batters before stumps but they were frustrated by the openers, Wallam Lyngdoh Kynshi (12 not out) and Kishan Lyngdoh (4 not out), who scored all of their runs through fours but they will have their task cut out tomorrow.

Hits: 8

MCA U-19 Women’s Cricket Tourney: Magnificent performances for SGH, SWKH

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb 24: South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills shone with bat and ball on the fourth day of the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s Inter District U-19 Women’s Cricket Tournament today, winning their respective matches handsomely.

In Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, SGH defeated North Garo Hills by 221 runs in Zone 2, with Smillin N Sangma taking five wickets for just three runs. In Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi, SWKH beat East Jaintia Cricket Association by 148 runs.

Batting first after winning the toss, SGH amassed 240/7 in the allotted 35 overs, with Marme M Sangma smashing 78 not out off 41 deliveries down the order, while Dianchidora compiled a more patient 60 off 95. Jecykha M Marak (2/33 in seven overs) was the most economical of bowlers and also had the best figures, while Chiangchi Ch Marak took 2/58.

Smillin then returned the best figures of the tournament so far, with 5/3 as NGH were all out for 19 having batted just 12.4 overs. Marme (3/8) and Jaylynn MR Marak (2/6) were the other wicket-takers.

In the other game, SWKH also batted first after winning the toss and made 236/4, with captain Indariakor Kharwanniang striking 64 and Banrikmen Lyngdoh Tongkhar 39. However, their contributions were outdone by extras – there were 70 wides and 34 no balls. Mimi Chyrmang produced 2/46 with the ball.

SWKH were equally wayward with the ball, with extras accounting for 69 of EJCA’s total score of 88. Balarisha Thongni (3/6), Baniashisha Lyngkhoi (3/11), Milansy Jyrwa (2/17) and Ibajanai Wanniang (2/27) were the wicket-takers.

Tomorrow, East Khasi Hills will take on West Khasi Hills in Group A of Zone 1, while Tura will play against North Garo Hills in Zone 2.

Hits: 5

Ranji Trophy: Torrid start for Meghalaya on opening day vs Madhya Pradesh

Shillong Today
Garib Kalyan Sammelan: Union Minister of State for DoNER B L Verma to attend programme in Shillong

Shillong, Feb 24: Meghalaya had a tough opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Madhya Pradesh in Rajkot, Gujarat, today.

Winning the toss was a positive for Meghalaya but they were skittled for just 61 after lunch and then saw their opponents make 141/2 by stumps, giving MP a lead of 80 runs.
Wanlambok Nongkhlaw returned to the playing eleven today after being left out of the opener last week and top-scored with 19, which included four boundaries in front of square on both sides of the wicket.
Only one other batter got into double figures – Kishan Lyngdoh (11). Meghalaya’s batting mainstays, the guest professionals Chirag Khurana and Punit Bisht were unceremoniously dismissed for ducks, while Ravi Teja managed only eight runs.
MP batted for another session and a half in leisurely fashion, not going above three runs an over. They lost their first wicket with 56 on the board, with Rameez Khan caught by Teja off the bowling of Abhishek Kumar Chaudhary (1/35). Aryan Bora (1/21) then trapped the other opening batter, Ajay Rohera, lbw for 26 but MP were able to see off the remaining 13 overs in the day without further loss.

Hits: 2

Two days exhibition cum awareness programme celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence inaugurated

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb 24, 2022: In commemoration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a two days exhibition cum awareness programme celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence and Covid Appropriate Behaviour was today inaugurated by Prof. T B Subha, Acting VC, NEHU, Shillong in the presence of the Dr. Jay Narayan, Registrar, NEHU, Shillong, Dr. Engam Pame, Director, Regional Outreach Bureau, Shillong and Dr. R. L. Nongkhlaw, Dean of Students’ Welfare, NEHU.

Held at the Multiuse Convention Hall, NEHU, the programme was organized by the Regional Outreach Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in collaboration with the Dean Student’s Welfare, NEHU and Research Scholars Forum, NEHU.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Prof. T B Subha said despite gaining freedom 75 years ago, our thinking, our ideas, values and practices are still influenced by western culture. It is only when we free ourselves from habits and practices which are not ingrained in our culture, we can really say that we are totally free or Azad, he added. Prof. T B Subha also stressed on the need to decolonise the curriculum and cited examples of Universities like Oxford and Cambridge which are undertaking huge exercises to do the same. Stating that the new Education Policy does not address decolonising of the curriculum, he said that we need to think differently about decolonising and also about decolonising institutions of higher education which have been running in an archaic fashion.

Dr. Jay Narayan, Registrar, NEHU in his address reminded the gathering that India with universities like Nalanda and Taxila, was the pioneer of higher education and will continue to remain so. Instead of always turning to the West, we should learn from our past and move forward with determination in propelling India towards a brighter future, he added.

As part of the programme prizes were also given away to the winners of the Patriotic Lori Writing competition held earlier.

Hits: 28

PBR App and Forest Fire App launched for real-time data

Shillong Today

Shillong, Feb 24, 2022: Forest and Environment Minister, Meghalaya,  James P K Sangma launched two critical Apps, the PBR App and Forest Fire App for the State of Meghalaya complementing Statehood of Meghalaya celebrations and infusing technological innovations in collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC) and also the North East Space Application Centre (NESAC), Shillong.

The Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR) App developed by NIC was launched for the purpose of upgradation and enriching the data base of inventory of biological resources of the State where the Mobile App version can be used not only by domain related officials but also the general public to complement and supplement capturing data for documentation of our rich biological heritage which will help in fair and equitable sharing of benefits with our villages (bio-resource owners) through the Biodiversity Management Committees.

The Minister also launched the Forest Fire App which was developed by NESAC Shillong for use by the Meghalaya Forest Department. This App is intended to provide a one point source of information on issues related to fire management in sync with Forest Survey of India data. This App is expected to reduce workload and improve decision making process for the domain officials and also facilitate local stakeholders in the villages of the State especially for reporting and addressing the issue of controlling forest fire incidences.

Hits: 42