IIT Guwahati, USTM empowering villages

Correspondent

Nongpoh, Sept 14: A dedicated team from IIT Guwahati including three Japanese students under the guidance of Dr. Siddhartha Singha visited the University of Science and Technology yesterday. The School of Agro and Rural Technology at IIT Guwahati and the Department of Rural Development at USTM have initiated an exciting student exchange program in which a village near the university has been adopted to empower communities through the effective utilization of rural technology.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Papiya Dutta, Head of the Department of Rural Development USTM said, “It is a significant move towards fostering collaboration and community betterment. This initiative underscores the Memorandum of Understanding inked between the institutions solidifying their shared commitment to working together on impactful projects.”

At the heart of this exchange program lies the ambition to unlock the vast potential of innovative rural technologies. The selected villages, located near the university, have been earmarked as the focal point for these transformative projects, she added.

Under the capable leadership of Dr. Siddhartha Singha, a dedicated team from IITG has taken up this collaborative mission. Alongside him are students from the School of Agro and Rural Technology, including the valuable inclusion of three international students hailing from Japan. This diverse participation brings a global perspective to local challenges, enriching the collective learning experience.

The goal of this collaborative endeavour is to empower communities through the effective utilization of rural technology. As they embark on this exciting journey, they are collectively driven by their shared dedication to positive transformation and sustainable progress.

AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.