SHILLONG: Spreading the messages of love, peace and universal brotherhood, Ramakrishna Mission (RMK), Laitumkhrah celebrated Christmas in style on Wednesday. Christians and Hindus sang together Christmas carols like Silent Night, Holy Night and Oh! Come let us adore him at the celebrations.
Puja was conducted amidst 'Vedic chanting' offering prayers to Jesus Christ. A mix of Hindu and Christian cultures marked the worshipping of Lord Jesus who was also offered cakes, sweets and fruits.
Speaking at the function, Laitumukhrah MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh said RKM made the Christmas celebrations more meaningful.
"Religion does not make man but man makes religion," Ms Lyngdoh said.
She was delighted by the spirit of non-Christian community celebrating Christmas, spreading the messages of peace, love and unity in the society.
Ms Lyngdoh expressed her happiness over the fact that people, irrespective of social standing and background, were taking part in celebration of all festivals in the State.
It is not unusual for Hindus of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda persuasion, and many others too, to adorn their homes and temples with pictures of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is not only the Christian Saviour but also the saints and sages of all faiths who command respect from them because they believe, as Swami Vivekananda said, in "acceptance and not just tolerance of other religions."
In the recent past, India has witnessed clashes between Christian and Hindu communities in Orissa. Many Christians were allegedly assaulted and murdered by Hindu fanatics in that state. In times of such communal unrest, RKM seems to have showed the way how people of India can live together despite religious and cultural differences.
Meanwhile, on the eve of Christmas, thousands of people were seen crowding the city for last minute shopping for clothes, cakes and pastries and decorations to light up their Christmas trees.
There was jubilation around the city with children irrespective of caste and religion singing Christmas carols.
Christmas trees and wreaths adorned almost every household. All the Churches, missionary schools and institutions were also decorated with colourful buntings and lights. Tourists from other states of the country were flocking to the city to participate in the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Christmas carols could already be heard across Meghalaya since the past one-week, braving the chilled winter. All the young and old joined Santa Claus in Christmas carols.
State to take up post-operative surveillance to check bird flu
SHILLONG: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD) will conduct post-operative surveillance on fowls in areas from three to ten kilometers of Meghalaya's side of Khanapara on December 29 to collect samples to see if bird flu has spread to local poultry from Assam.
According to AHVD Director Dr Daurupathan Khonglah, the exercise is required in view of the recent culling operations conducted by Assam in areas on the inter-state border. "Post-operative surveillance will be done to collect samples from local poultry and check if there is any difference between them and the samples we had collected earlier," he said.
Dr Khonglah said there was no report of bird flu among local poultry and that people could consume them without any fear. He, however, said the ban on import of poultry would continue till further orders.
4 dists yet to have malaria officers
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Four malaria-prone districts of the State are yet to have full-fledged District Malaria Officers (DMOs).
Sources said despite several requests made by the Health Department, the government has not appointed DMOs in Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts.
"In these four districts, designated officers have to function as DMOs specially when the disease takes its toll on the people," sources said.
It was learnt that medical officers from Shillong were earlier deputed to help deal with malaria in Ri-Bhoi district
Meanwhile, officials in the government admitted that some of the districts were yet to have full-fledged DMOs but added that the government was examining the matter.
Malaria normally breaks out during the summer season in the State.
ULFA cadre may be booked under MPDA
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: State Police are seeking to book Teji Mala Rabha, a woman cadre of ULFA, under Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA).
Teji Mala was arrested after an encounter between ULFA rebels and a joint team of East Garo Hills police and 4th Kumaon Regiment at Gambil Apel in East Garo Hills on Monday night. She suffered wounds in the thighs and is undergoing treatment. Two gunmen of the outfit died in the gun battle.
Police had also arrested Teji Mala at Mendipathar and seized incriminating documents from her last year. She was, however, released on bail.
East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger on Wednesday said police were on high alert in order to thwart any attempts of anti-social elements to create law-and-order problem, specially during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Meanwhile, acting on a tip-off, BSF jawans arrested four Bangladeshi intruders, including three women along Indo-Bangla border, sources said on Wednesday.
When will Shillong Bypass become a reality?
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Construction of the much-awaited Shillong Bypass, meant to ease traffic congestion in Shillong city, has not started yet despite the State Government completing the process of land acquisition for the two-lane road in Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills districts.
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is to carry out the road project, which was initiated 20 years ago.
While unconfirmed sources claimed that bids for construction of the bypass had already been invited, NHAI officials could not be contacted for information on the status of the project.
Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner SF Khongwir said land for the bypass had been acquired in the district. "The bypass would cover 23.276 km from Lad Umroi to Nongtraw in Ri-Bhoi district, and the total compensation paid to land owners by NHAI is Rs 5, 47,20312," Mr Khongwir said.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Bhalang Dhar also said land for the bypass had already been acquired and compensation paid to land owners. He said the land was handed over to NHAI in April this year. The 49.676-km bypass would connect NH 40 with NH 44 from Lad Umroi, Ri-Bhoi to Mawryngkneng, East Khasi Hills.
Assam to act on border dispute
Shillong: Assam government has assured that action will be taken to maintain peace along the disputed border areas with Meghalaya to a delegation of Opposition members of the state, sources said here today.
The assurance was reportedly given to a delegation of leaders from Meghalaya led by opposition leader D D Lapang that met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati on Tuesday night.
The delegation also comprised residents of disputed Langpih area and Congress MLAs. (PTI)
Meningococcal meningitis claims 193 lives in State
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meningococcal meningitis has claimed 193 lives in the State this year and there are public concerns that the killer disease is yet to be wiped out from Meghalaya.
Director of Health Services Dr KH Lakiang on Wednesday said only ten meningococcal meningitis deaths had been "medically confirmed" by doctors in government hospitals.
"The disease is breaking out sporadically, not in epidemic form like before. The Health Department is fully geared up to tackle it through public involvement," Dr Lakiang said.
He said there were a total of 679 cases of suspected meningococcal meningitis while the number of confirmed deaths from the disease stood at 193. He, however, did not give district-wise statistics.
On the absence of mass vaccination to prevent spread of the disease, the top health official said the Central Government had not issued any instructions for such an exercise.
"We are still carrying out mass chemoprophylaxis, providing medicines to people suspected to be suffering from the disease," he said.
Dr Lakiang pointed out that the only way to successfully deal with meningococcal meningitis was public cooperation.
News channel celebrates Xmas in a novel way
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Ri Khasi Channel (RKC), a city based news channel, celebrated this Christmas in a different way by providing livelihood support to two poor families in the city.
The two families are headed by Isbilian Malngiang (6 children) and Badaiahun Nongphud (5 children), both from Lummawbah. The two mothers have to shoulder their family burden amidst big challenges to support their children who have lost their fathers.
Ri Khasi Channel selected these two families after making a survey on the poorest families from four selected localities-Mawlai, Lawmali, Nongkseh and Lummawbah.
"The research study was carried out for a month and the families were selected by a panel of five judges appointed by RKC", producer Badapkupar Lyngdoh said on Wednesday, while adding that this was an in-depth study of RKC to celebrate Christmas in a different way. During the research study, the group studied the living conditions and economic status of poor families from the four selected localities in the city where they found that the heads of those families worked at private agencies in the city to support their family members, Mr Lyngdoh said. "It is useless to help people only during Christmas. The real meaning of Christmas is to help those people who are in need of help", Mr Lyngdoh said. He also said the projected was initiated by RKC with the sponsorship of some people.
As Christmas celebrations include gift-giving, church celebrations, and display of various decorative items including Christmas tree, lights, etc, RKC helped the families in renovating their houses, provided them with furniture, shoes and clothes. The idea is to make them able to celebrate Christmas like others, Mr Lyngdoh pointed out.
Mooshahary, Purno extend Christmas greetings
By Our Reporter
Shillong: Meghalaya Governor Ranjit S Mooshahary has greeted people on the occasion of Christmas, exhorting them to imbibe the true spirit of Jesus Christ for peace and tranquility in the State. NCP leader and Chairman of State Planning Board Purno A Sangma has also extended his Christmas greetings. He hoped that the spirit of Christmas would bring peace, happiness and joy to every home.
KJWA ropes in ‘Bah Manik’ for consumer awareness
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Nicholas Kharnabi, a radio jockey of the popular FM channel Radio Ooo la la and commonly known as Bah Manik of Ka Pla Iew fame, created quite a stir when he led a procession organised by the Khasi Jaintia Welfare Association (KJWA) to generate mass awareness on consumer rights in the city on Wednesday, on the occasion of National Consumer Rights Day. Later Kharnabi addressed a public meeting at Motphran on the same theme using the Nongkrem dialect to connect with the mixed crowd at Iewduh. After a while he launched off in Hindi as well, attracting a curious crowd who listened attentively.
Speaking at the meeting, Food and Supplies Director Tining Dkhar said that consumers should be aware of their rights so that they are not exploited by unscrupulous traders.
"The Government of India has enacted the National Consumer Protection Act in 1986 in order to provide protection to consumers", Mr Dkhar said.
He also said that only meetings, distributing banners, placard did not help much for consumers to know their rights. What is more important is to have a sustained programme of action to generate mass awareness.
Mr Dkhar also urged KJWA to take up the issue seriously and facilitate filing of consumer cases for aggrieved consumers if need be, so that the impact of the Act is felt.
Meanwhile, Padmashree Patricia Mukhim, a long standing member of the District Consumer Redressal Forum spoke as resource person. She said that the Act has some requirements from consumers, foremost among which is the cash memo for every item purchased as this is compulsory for filing a consumer case. Mrs Mukhim urged consumers to be vigilant and take advantage of the Act as it is fairly simple and the petition can be filed by an aggrieved consumer on plain paper. Cases below Rs 20 lakh are adjudicated by the District Consumer Forum and those above that amount are taken up by the State Consumer Protection Council.
Mrs Mukhim also said that consumers can represent themselves without need for a legal counsel. "Many consumers have acquitted themselves creditably and won their cases by representing themselves in the Forum. Ms Mukhim said the number of litigants has increased and the majority of cases these days pertain to deficiency in service of cell phone companies which provide defective sets, followed by insurance companies, computer firms etc.
Others who spoke at the meeting included Deputy Director Weights and Measure S Tariang, KJWA president NW Khyriem. Earlier, KJWA members along with students organised procession from Motphran to Khyndai Lad.
Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/
Puja was conducted amidst 'Vedic chanting' offering prayers to Jesus Christ. A mix of Hindu and Christian cultures marked the worshipping of Lord Jesus who was also offered cakes, sweets and fruits.
Speaking at the function, Laitumukhrah MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh said RKM made the Christmas celebrations more meaningful.
"Religion does not make man but man makes religion," Ms Lyngdoh said.
She was delighted by the spirit of non-Christian community celebrating Christmas, spreading the messages of peace, love and unity in the society.
Ms Lyngdoh expressed her happiness over the fact that people, irrespective of social standing and background, were taking part in celebration of all festivals in the State.
It is not unusual for Hindus of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda persuasion, and many others too, to adorn their homes and temples with pictures of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is not only the Christian Saviour but also the saints and sages of all faiths who command respect from them because they believe, as Swami Vivekananda said, in "acceptance and not just tolerance of other religions."
In the recent past, India has witnessed clashes between Christian and Hindu communities in Orissa. Many Christians were allegedly assaulted and murdered by Hindu fanatics in that state. In times of such communal unrest, RKM seems to have showed the way how people of India can live together despite religious and cultural differences.
Meanwhile, on the eve of Christmas, thousands of people were seen crowding the city for last minute shopping for clothes, cakes and pastries and decorations to light up their Christmas trees.
There was jubilation around the city with children irrespective of caste and religion singing Christmas carols.
Christmas trees and wreaths adorned almost every household. All the Churches, missionary schools and institutions were also decorated with colourful buntings and lights. Tourists from other states of the country were flocking to the city to participate in the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Christmas carols could already be heard across Meghalaya since the past one-week, braving the chilled winter. All the young and old joined Santa Claus in Christmas carols.
State to take up post-operative surveillance to check bird flu
SHILLONG: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD) will conduct post-operative surveillance on fowls in areas from three to ten kilometers of Meghalaya's side of Khanapara on December 29 to collect samples to see if bird flu has spread to local poultry from Assam.
According to AHVD Director Dr Daurupathan Khonglah, the exercise is required in view of the recent culling operations conducted by Assam in areas on the inter-state border. "Post-operative surveillance will be done to collect samples from local poultry and check if there is any difference between them and the samples we had collected earlier," he said.
Dr Khonglah said there was no report of bird flu among local poultry and that people could consume them without any fear. He, however, said the ban on import of poultry would continue till further orders.
4 dists yet to have malaria officers
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Four malaria-prone districts of the State are yet to have full-fledged District Malaria Officers (DMOs).
Sources said despite several requests made by the Health Department, the government has not appointed DMOs in Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts.
"In these four districts, designated officers have to function as DMOs specially when the disease takes its toll on the people," sources said.
It was learnt that medical officers from Shillong were earlier deputed to help deal with malaria in Ri-Bhoi district
Meanwhile, officials in the government admitted that some of the districts were yet to have full-fledged DMOs but added that the government was examining the matter.
Malaria normally breaks out during the summer season in the State.
ULFA cadre may be booked under MPDA
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: State Police are seeking to book Teji Mala Rabha, a woman cadre of ULFA, under Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA).
Teji Mala was arrested after an encounter between ULFA rebels and a joint team of East Garo Hills police and 4th Kumaon Regiment at Gambil Apel in East Garo Hills on Monday night. She suffered wounds in the thighs and is undergoing treatment. Two gunmen of the outfit died in the gun battle.
Police had also arrested Teji Mala at Mendipathar and seized incriminating documents from her last year. She was, however, released on bail.
East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger on Wednesday said police were on high alert in order to thwart any attempts of anti-social elements to create law-and-order problem, specially during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Meanwhile, acting on a tip-off, BSF jawans arrested four Bangladeshi intruders, including three women along Indo-Bangla border, sources said on Wednesday.
When will Shillong Bypass become a reality?
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Construction of the much-awaited Shillong Bypass, meant to ease traffic congestion in Shillong city, has not started yet despite the State Government completing the process of land acquisition for the two-lane road in Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills districts.
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is to carry out the road project, which was initiated 20 years ago.
While unconfirmed sources claimed that bids for construction of the bypass had already been invited, NHAI officials could not be contacted for information on the status of the project.
Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner SF Khongwir said land for the bypass had been acquired in the district. "The bypass would cover 23.276 km from Lad Umroi to Nongtraw in Ri-Bhoi district, and the total compensation paid to land owners by NHAI is Rs 5, 47,20312," Mr Khongwir said.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Bhalang Dhar also said land for the bypass had already been acquired and compensation paid to land owners. He said the land was handed over to NHAI in April this year. The 49.676-km bypass would connect NH 40 with NH 44 from Lad Umroi, Ri-Bhoi to Mawryngkneng, East Khasi Hills.
Assam to act on border dispute
Shillong: Assam government has assured that action will be taken to maintain peace along the disputed border areas with Meghalaya to a delegation of Opposition members of the state, sources said here today.
The assurance was reportedly given to a delegation of leaders from Meghalaya led by opposition leader D D Lapang that met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati on Tuesday night.
The delegation also comprised residents of disputed Langpih area and Congress MLAs. (PTI)
Meningococcal meningitis claims 193 lives in State
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meningococcal meningitis has claimed 193 lives in the State this year and there are public concerns that the killer disease is yet to be wiped out from Meghalaya.
Director of Health Services Dr KH Lakiang on Wednesday said only ten meningococcal meningitis deaths had been "medically confirmed" by doctors in government hospitals.
"The disease is breaking out sporadically, not in epidemic form like before. The Health Department is fully geared up to tackle it through public involvement," Dr Lakiang said.
He said there were a total of 679 cases of suspected meningococcal meningitis while the number of confirmed deaths from the disease stood at 193. He, however, did not give district-wise statistics.
On the absence of mass vaccination to prevent spread of the disease, the top health official said the Central Government had not issued any instructions for such an exercise.
"We are still carrying out mass chemoprophylaxis, providing medicines to people suspected to be suffering from the disease," he said.
Dr Lakiang pointed out that the only way to successfully deal with meningococcal meningitis was public cooperation.
News channel celebrates Xmas in a novel way
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Ri Khasi Channel (RKC), a city based news channel, celebrated this Christmas in a different way by providing livelihood support to two poor families in the city.
The two families are headed by Isbilian Malngiang (6 children) and Badaiahun Nongphud (5 children), both from Lummawbah. The two mothers have to shoulder their family burden amidst big challenges to support their children who have lost their fathers.
Ri Khasi Channel selected these two families after making a survey on the poorest families from four selected localities-Mawlai, Lawmali, Nongkseh and Lummawbah.
"The research study was carried out for a month and the families were selected by a panel of five judges appointed by RKC", producer Badapkupar Lyngdoh said on Wednesday, while adding that this was an in-depth study of RKC to celebrate Christmas in a different way. During the research study, the group studied the living conditions and economic status of poor families from the four selected localities in the city where they found that the heads of those families worked at private agencies in the city to support their family members, Mr Lyngdoh said. "It is useless to help people only during Christmas. The real meaning of Christmas is to help those people who are in need of help", Mr Lyngdoh said. He also said the projected was initiated by RKC with the sponsorship of some people.
As Christmas celebrations include gift-giving, church celebrations, and display of various decorative items including Christmas tree, lights, etc, RKC helped the families in renovating their houses, provided them with furniture, shoes and clothes. The idea is to make them able to celebrate Christmas like others, Mr Lyngdoh pointed out.
Mooshahary, Purno extend Christmas greetings
By Our Reporter
Shillong: Meghalaya Governor Ranjit S Mooshahary has greeted people on the occasion of Christmas, exhorting them to imbibe the true spirit of Jesus Christ for peace and tranquility in the State. NCP leader and Chairman of State Planning Board Purno A Sangma has also extended his Christmas greetings. He hoped that the spirit of Christmas would bring peace, happiness and joy to every home.
KJWA ropes in ‘Bah Manik’ for consumer awareness
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Nicholas Kharnabi, a radio jockey of the popular FM channel Radio Ooo la la and commonly known as Bah Manik of Ka Pla Iew fame, created quite a stir when he led a procession organised by the Khasi Jaintia Welfare Association (KJWA) to generate mass awareness on consumer rights in the city on Wednesday, on the occasion of National Consumer Rights Day. Later Kharnabi addressed a public meeting at Motphran on the same theme using the Nongkrem dialect to connect with the mixed crowd at Iewduh. After a while he launched off in Hindi as well, attracting a curious crowd who listened attentively.
Speaking at the meeting, Food and Supplies Director Tining Dkhar said that consumers should be aware of their rights so that they are not exploited by unscrupulous traders.
"The Government of India has enacted the National Consumer Protection Act in 1986 in order to provide protection to consumers", Mr Dkhar said.
He also said that only meetings, distributing banners, placard did not help much for consumers to know their rights. What is more important is to have a sustained programme of action to generate mass awareness.
Mr Dkhar also urged KJWA to take up the issue seriously and facilitate filing of consumer cases for aggrieved consumers if need be, so that the impact of the Act is felt.
Meanwhile, Padmashree Patricia Mukhim, a long standing member of the District Consumer Redressal Forum spoke as resource person. She said that the Act has some requirements from consumers, foremost among which is the cash memo for every item purchased as this is compulsory for filing a consumer case. Mrs Mukhim urged consumers to be vigilant and take advantage of the Act as it is fairly simple and the petition can be filed by an aggrieved consumer on plain paper. Cases below Rs 20 lakh are adjudicated by the District Consumer Forum and those above that amount are taken up by the State Consumer Protection Council.
Mrs Mukhim also said that consumers can represent themselves without need for a legal counsel. "Many consumers have acquitted themselves creditably and won their cases by representing themselves in the Forum. Ms Mukhim said the number of litigants has increased and the majority of cases these days pertain to deficiency in service of cell phone companies which provide defective sets, followed by insurance companies, computer firms etc.
Others who spoke at the meeting included Deputy Director Weights and Measure S Tariang, KJWA president NW Khyriem. Earlier, KJWA members along with students organised procession from Motphran to Khyndai Lad.
Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment