The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri.B.M.Lanong inaugurated the 3 days Rural Youth Festival which kicks off on the 17th December at St.John Bosco Auditorium ,Sohra in the presence of Dr.P.W.Khongjee, Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Shri.C.V.D. Diengdoh, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer ( C),Sohra Sub-Division and other high dignitaries. The programme was organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Shillong in collaboration with Depeartment of Sports & Youth Affairs, District Administration & Sub-divisional officer ( C),Sohra Sub-Division.
The 3 days programme comprised of Training for Youth Club Leaders, Group Discussion, Presentation & Preparing Development Future Plans, Cherra Cleaning Campaign which was part of Mega Work Camp, a one act play on Soso Tham (Poet laurette), Mock Tourist Guide & Village Tourism etc. The department stalls which were set up on this occasion served as information outlets for the youth.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Lanong said that the Year of the Youth 2012 was observed with a view to motivate the youth to be able to adapt themselves with the changing of times and situation. He said that in Meghalaya, out of 30 lakhs of population more than 65% were youth between the age group of 14-21 yrs. He said that Meghalaya is marching ahead in every field and he hoped that this programme will serve as an opportunity for the youth to develop their mindsets and at the same time it would serve as an awareness campaign in preserving the environment and make Cherrapunjee the World’s Tourist Destination. He then wished the programme a success.
Amongst others who spoke on the occasion were Dr.P.W.Khongjee, M.L.A ,Sohra,Shri.C.V.D.Diengdoh, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer ( C), Sohra Sub Division, Shri. R.P.S.Thakur, Zonal Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Meghalaya.
Also,6 Mentor Youth Club received a grant of Rs 10,000/-each. Hima Mylliem Youth welfare Organisation received a Certificate of Honour and a cash prize of Rs 10,000/- as the Best District Youth Club.
Dr.Salam D.Singh, DYC, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Shillong delivered a keynote and welcome address while Mr. Bobby Wahlang, State Organising committee, Meghalaya year of the youth offered the vote of thanks.
