Sikkim as a ‘Producer State’

Rajoo Sharma

Consumerism is the norm today and Sikkim Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, is determined to free Sikkim from this culture and promote the state as a ‘Producer State’ and the people as productive citizens.

Chamling and his party made a commitment to transform Sikkim to a self-sufficient state, particularly with regard to enhancement of produce from agriculture and allied sectors, and the state government is, therefore, formulating strategies based on Sikkim’s natural resources.

PMGSY Fund insufficient in Mizoram

Rajoo Sharma

In the absence of a railhead or a waterway, the lifeline in hilly areas is mostly confined to road connectivity; keeping this in mind, Mizoram being a hilly terrain needs better road connectivity from rural to urban areas.

The Ministry of Rural Development has released grants-in-aid worth Rs. 10,00,00,000/- (Rs. Ten crore) as payment of the 2nd installment of Phase V, for construction of rural roads in Mizoram under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The sum is from the special window created in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development) under RIDF as grants-in-aid to the Mizoram Rural Road Development Agency (MRRDA). MRRDA is the agency executing the work taken up under PMGSY in the state.

KONGTHONG (Khatar Shnong): Call a person by singing

Prasad Gupta

They sing and hum to call the names of fellow tribesmen. A tune sung by a caller is a ‘name’ understood only by the villager who responds to it.This village in the remote Khatar Shnong, in East Khasi Hills, follows the unique system of calling their near and dear ones by singing.

‘This practice has been there from time immemorial mainly in Kongthong and adjoining villages from the time of “foremothers”’, said the headman of Kongthong, Mr Kyrtaid Majaw.

Green brigade on wheels

R.K.Suresh

It is said that every great journey starts with a single step, and a single step is what everyone must take in mankind’s quest to save the earth. From being a bunch of crazy Enfield enthusiasts, the Royal Riders Manipur have achieved much adoration and respect from the people of the state for their contributions in the field of social work. As part of their humanity service curriculum for this year, the Royal Riders’ Club, Manipur observed a month long campaign on environment protection under this year’s UN Environment Day theme – Many species, One planet, One future. Like that single step that leads to a great journey, the Royal Riders Manipur started giving a noble cause to its passion for adventurous rides down the far flung areas of Manipur and other northeastern states.