October 13, 2004

Shillong, October 13, 2004: The Extra Assistant Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District i/c Patharkhmah Administrative Unit has informed that the Administrative unit in collaboration with the Officers of the Western Ri Bhoi, Patharkhmah is going to organise a cultural programme on October 15, 2004 at 1:00 PM at Patharkhmah Government Secondary School playground with the motive of reviving the culture of indigenous tribes of the area.

The programme will be followed by a musical evening by the Officers Club, Nongpoh from 4:00 PM onwards.

Shillong, October 13, 2004: The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D.D. Lapang today inaugurated the Foundation Stone of the St. Alfred’s Secondary School Annexure at Marngar, Ri Bhoi District. Also present on the occasion was the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Mr. W.L. Lyngdoh. The function was attended by Government officials, students, teachers, local leaders and parents.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lapang expressed his happiness to inaugurate the foundation stone for the construction of the School annexure which would serve the students and people of the area as a means to achieve freedom from ignorance, diseases and poverty. He assured the School management that he would allocate more funds for its construction besides the 2 lakhs that he had already allotted. With a view to solve the rampant unemployment problem, Dr. Lapang urged the school management to introduce vocational training for the students, besides the academic curriculum, so that after schooling, students can become self sufficient and stand at their own feet.

Appreciating the hard work and sacrifice of the teachers, Dr. Lapang said that their profession is a noble job, ready to face the challenges not withstanding their meager salary. He therefore called upon them to maintain this spirit and give the best quality education to the students so that the future of the State and the country is bright.

Stressing on the importance of education in present days, Dr. Lapang said that “survival of the fittest is the order of the day”. Therefore, he urged upon the students to work hard, aim high and be diligent in their studies so that one day they could shine. He also called upon the parents to send their children to school for education is the best treasure they could give to them. He further urged the School management to be fair with the dealings of the school, particularly in the selection of teachers, to appoint only qualified and to select the best out of the lot for the benefit of the students.

To monitor developmental activities in the District, Dr. Lapang said that there is a need to constitute the Ri Bhoi Development Authority, in which the Deputy Commissioner will be the Secretary.