Shillong, August 25: The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community College (DDUCC) for Skill Development, Wahiajer, a constituent College of the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), successfully organized a seven-day training program on “Umbrellas, Footwear Assembly & Repair Services” for the community’s youths from 18th to 25th August 2026.
The objective of the programme is to empower the local youths especially the gents in the community with the essential vocational skills for their economic independence and sustainable livelihood. During the seven-days, the 23 participants from diverse groups of the community were actively engaged through practical demonstration and interactive sessions exhibited by the Resource Person Shri. Amrendra Kumar. The trainees gained valuable knowledge and skills on the various aspects related with the training programme.
The programme concluded with a valedictory function that was held on the 25th August 2026. Shri. Taiwanyoo War, Divisional Soil & Water Conservation Officer (DSWCO), Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District graced the function as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Prof. S. Umdor, Economics Department, NEHU, Shillong as the Patron. Others presence were Andriew Sari, Secretary, Wahiajer, Shri. Lovely Shylla, Member, Wahiajer, Dr. F. R. Sumer, Principal I/c, DDUCC, teachers, students and staff.
While Dr. F.R. Sumer extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, invitees, participants, resource person, teachers, staff and students. others who spoke includes Shri. H. Chyrmang, and Shri. Andriew Sari. Mr. Joshua Lamare shared his experiences and gave feedback on the programme on behalf of the participants. In their respective speeches, the dignitaries underscored the value and impact in acquiring the essential skills of Umbrella, Footwear Assembly and Repair Services training as it teaches people at large how to self maintain and repair personal items used everyday.
Such repair and maintenance skills imparted through the training programme will support the trainees with opening of unit requiring only basic tools viz. needles, glue and pliers not only to earn their livelihood but also creates employment opportunity including cutting down on trash and prevent pollution thus ensuring environment conservation.
The dignitaries were overwhelmed by the passion and commitment of the community’s youths in coming forward and engaging themselves for the training and also inspired the participants to stand on their own feet and encouraged them to value their skills and proficiency, and to always remain committed through sheer hard work.
Shri. Taiwanyoo War, Divisional Soil & Water Conservation Officer (DSWCO), Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District in his speech as Chief Guest, congratulated the participants for having successfully completed the training programme. He praised DDUCC for taking the initiative to organized skill-based programmes from time to time for the benefit of the community at large.
He added, that this programme will uplift the livelihood of the participants with skills gained. He requested the college to venture into other indigenous skill training programmes promoted by the Government of Meghalaya through the Department of Soil and Water Conservation. Such rare ideas implemented these programmes not only will enhance the skills of the trainees but also plays a vital role to conserve the environment.
He encouraged the trainees to utilize the skills gained through the training effectively and to strive towards being entrepreneurship not only to sustain their livelihood but to create employment opportunities to other members of the community as well.
Prof. S. Umdor, Department of Economics, NEHU in his remarks as Patron of the function congratulated the participants for having successfully completed the training programme. On behalf of the organizers, he expressed a deep sense of appreciation with best wishes to Shri. Amrendra Kumar, a local artisan based in Jowai town with 30 years of experience in the trade for wholeheartedly sharing his skills with the enthusiastic participants.
He praised DDUCC for taking the initiative to organize such an unheard and neglected skill-based programmes for the benefit of the community at large. He added, that such skill-based training programmes will always be relevant even in the present era when Artificial Intelligence is a threat to all jobs in mostly all sectors.
He encouraged the participants to take opportunities in skill-based training and Internship Programmes which will support them with future enrollment and employment opportunities to sustain their livelihood which is one of the objective of NEP2020.
To encourage the participant, best performance award was conferred to one of the promising participant. This initiative is part of DDUCC’s/NEHU’s broader commitment in promoting vocational education and skill development, as part of NEP 2020 and in line with the vision of (L) Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay towards preservation and promotion of the community local skills promoting economic self-reliance.
A special part of the function also includes felicitation of Prof. S. Umdor extended by the College to honour the commitment and support extended during his tenure as Pro VC for the growth and development of DDUCC.
The function concluded with Shri Wolnish Rymbai, Programme Co-ordinator who chaired the programme proposing the vote of thanks while stressing that these frequently organized skill development training programs, the College has received positive feedback from the general public for the help and support gained by the individuals of the community especially those who are in need by equipping them with the required skills through the various trades offered by the College.
Finally, the program concluded with the distribution of certificates to all the participants and a vote of thanks from the Program Coordinator.
