NEIGRIHMS Neurology Dept wins BC Roy Gold Medal twice in five years
SHILLONG, Oct 15: The Department of Neurology at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the BC Roy Gold Medal twice within five years. The awards were presented for research contributions at the annual conferences of the Association of Neuroscientists of Eastern India (ANEICON). The most recent recognition was accorded to Dr. Aakanksha at ANEICON 2026, held in Ranchi from October 9-11, for her research on neuro-infections. Previously, Dr. B. Synmon received the gold medal at ANEICON 2021 in Patna for research on Myasthenia Gravis. Director of NEIGRIHMS, Prof. Nalin Mehta, congratulated the recipients and the department, noting that these achievements reflect a commitment to advancing neurological research and addressing clinical challenges through evidence-based practice. He also stressed the importance of sustained scientific inquiry in improving the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders.
MIT University’s Team SYNAPES wins CM’s Business Catalyst Challenge
SHILLONG, Oct 15: Team SYNAPES from MIT University of Meghalaya has secured first place in the Chief Minister’s Business Catalyst Challenge (CMBC) held at IIM Shillong, winning a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh for its project, TYNRAI. The project is a digital platform designed to preserve and promote Meghalaya’s indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. It integrates traditional wisdom with technology to create entrepreneurial opportunities and document the traditions of indigenous communities. The team received the award in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. MIT University of Meghalaya stated that the recognition reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship grounded in local culture. Through TYNRAI, Team SYNAPES seeks to provide a digital space for preserving the state’s cultural legacy while creating opportunities for economic growth and wider recognition.
Natl Women Farmers’ Day celebrated at ICAR Umiam
SHILLONG, Oct 15: The ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, in collaboration with KVK Ri Bhoi, celebrated National Women Farmers’ Day on Thursday at Umiam. More than 100 women farmers participated in the event, which focused on their contribution to building a self-reliant agricultural sector. Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Md. Mokidul Islam, Head of ICAR-KVK Ri Bhoi, spoke on this year’s theme, ‘Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India’. He underlined the importance of recognising women’s efforts in the progress of the agricultural sector. Ri-Bhoi Area Welfare Association (RAWA) president Balakyntiew Umbah, who was the chief guest, urged women farmers to take pride in their profession. She noted that farmers play an indispensable role in sustaining communities and lauded women for successfully balancing agricultural work with household responsibilities. Dr. Pankaj Baiswer, Director-in-Charge of the ICAR Research Complex, spoke on the need for greater awareness regarding government schemes. He encouraged farmers to adopt improved practices, modern technologies, and farm management tools to enhance production efficiency. During an interactive session, participants highlighted the need for high-quality seeds to improve yields and requested access to agricultural machinery at subsidised rates. The programme concluded with the felicitation of progressive women farmers. Participants were also provided with vegetable seeds, including the field pea variety IPFD 19-3, biofertilisers, and agricultural literature to support their farming activities.
NPP’s Jowai unit inducts new members
JOWAI, Oct 15: The National People’s Party (NPP), Jowai unit, welcomed several new members during an induction ceremony held at the District Library Auditorium, Mynthong, on Thursday. Local MLA and cabinet minister Wailadmiki Shylla formally inducted the members, presenting them with the party’s scarves. The new entrants expressed their commitment to strengthening the organisation within the constituency. Addressing the gathering, Shylla highlighted various development initiatives undertaken in Jowai, including the Jowai Water Supply Scheme, the Iawmusiang Shopping Complex, the Mini Secretariat and new sports facilities at Kiang Nangbah. He also noted the establishment of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) facility, financial assistance for teachers at Thomas Jones College, and the improvement of town roads and bypasses. Shylla expressed his gratitude to the electorate for their trust since 2018, stating that he has worked without discrimination to ensure progress across the constituency. He also called upon local farmers to work collectively to expand agricultural cultivation in the region.
City school celebrates Annual Day
SHILLONG, Oct 15: Shillong Higher Secondary School, Forest Colony, celebrated its Annual Day on Wednesday with cultural presentations and the rendition of the national song, Vande Mataram. Attending the event as the chief guest, Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek urged students to become responsible citizens and serve the nation. He also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh from his Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLALAD) scheme for the school’s development. Guest of Honour Devendra Singh Bedi commended the management for achieving a 100 per cent pass rate in the recent SSLC and HSSLC examinations. Other speakers included Principal Arnab Das, Managing Committee Secretary Protima Das and former Director of Higher and Technical Education Dr. SK Chattopadhyay.