Shillong Nov 30: Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh lamented over the lack of knowledge by the people from other parts about the northeastern region and in particular the state of Meghalaya.
Lamenting over this Lyngdoh while addressing the valedictory function of the seven day interstate youth exchange and homestay programme organised by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) in collaboration with the NSS Regional Centre Guwahati and Meghalaya said that people from other parts of the state always have a misconception about the north eastern region that people here are always in turmoil and these misconception creates a barrier that disconnect us from the rest of the country.
However, she said that this is not so as people here are peace loving people and are willing learners and would like to be part of the nation as a whole. “In most cases people from north east are often discriminated”, she said adding that this is becasue of all misconceptions.
Lauding the initiative taken by the RGNIYD the minister said that this week long interstate youth exchange and homestay programme has provided an opportunity for the NSS volunteers coming from other states have got to expereince on their own about the cultures and traditions of the people and the hospitality provided by the peopel living here and she also hoped that these volunteers when they will go back to their home town will spread theh message to their people that Meghalaya is a developing and peaceful state.
Lyngdoh also urged upon the youth to be the torch bearers of the country and they should stand united and lend their hand together to build this country and take it forward till the world reckon our country.
Meanwhile, Dr Shekhar faculty head RGNIYD while addressing the gathering said that the institute puts more emphasised on the north eastern region.
“The diversity of the country will not be completed without the region” Highlightings on the main focused of the institute Shekhar informed that the institute is trying to bring emotional integration amongst the youth of this region and from outside the region.
Besides, certificates and trophies were awarded to the programme Officer coming from other states as well as to NSS volunteers.
It may be mentioned here that the interstate exchange programme aimed at developing the personality, imbibe the value of national and emotional integration, to appreciate others traditional and culture heritage, to learn their diferent life style,, language, culture and historical values amongst the youth. The programme include sharing of experiences, seminars on important issues like communication, health, gender, life skill, they will visit Khasi festival and others so that their will be sharing of ideas amongst the students coming from different states in the country.(SP News)
