Upscaling Hobby to Business- the story of Harador Khariong’s Plant Parenthood

“If done with full commitment and passion whether it’s art, science or music, one can achieve their goal to make things work better and the satisfaction you will get is beyond your imagination”— Harador Khariong, Founder-Plant Parenthood

For Harador Khariong, a resident of Wahingdoh Shillong, East Khasi Hills Meghalaya, Plant Parenthood started as a hobby and out of love for plants during her college days. This eventually became more interesting and turned to be a career option in planting in the year 2020, especially succulents because they were relatively easier to take care of.

It was during the Northeast Food Show 2022 that Harador saw few entrepreneurs with their stall under the umbrella of PRIME, after which she learned in detail about PRIME and how it has helped entrepreneurs succeed in their business. Therefore, in the same year she enrolled herself in the Pre – Incubation batch 3.

Through the PRIME’s Pre-Incubation program, she learned more about upscaling her business and ultimately launched the ‘Plant Parenthood’ initiative.

This article has been featured in collaboration with PRIME Entrepreneurship Meghalaya. To know more about PRIME, visit: https://www.primemeghalaya.com/

Opposition will keep govt on its toes: Ronnie V Lyngdoh, CLP Leader

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh has stated that the opposition bench will ensure that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-2 government is put on its toes and works for the interest of the people.

Lyngdoh told reporters today that the question of who will be leader of opposition is therefore irrelevant because the three political parties will play the role of a constructive opposition.

The combined strength of the opposition bench is 14 of which 5 are from Congress, 5 All India Trinamool Congress and 4 Voice of the People Party.

The Mylliem legislator however said that if one goes by convention then the post of leader of opposition should go to the Congress, being a national party.

“But then we will work it out as we are there to provide constructive opposition. If as a constructive opposition we can ensure the state benefits, I think that will serve the purpose,” he stated.

The three opposition parties had tried to form an alternative government with the United Democratic Party, Hill State People’s Democratic Party and People’s Democratic Front but failed after two HSPDP MLAs decided to support the NPP.

Later, the UDP and PDF also went to extend full support to the Conrad K Sangma-led government.

When asked, Lyngdoh said, “I think they (HSPDP, UDP, PDF) have opted for a better option ‘stability’ for the state.”

“I hope this stability will ensure development and prosperity for the people of the state which is badly required,” he added.

He further urged the new government to take all basic necessities be it health infrastructure, education sector and others into consideration and “ensure in the next five years the state moves forward in every sphere be it in infrastructure, be it in social sector, be it in any sector.”

Ao takes diplomatic stance on ‘fighting corruption’

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: The BJP national vice president and Meghalaya In-charge Dr M Chuba Ao remained tight-lipped regarding the party’s stand to fight against corruption.

On BJP to go ahead with its decision to investigate all cases of corruption against the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-I) government, Dr Ao said, “Now, we are not talking about corruption. Let us form the government after that we will work and you will see how smoothly we run the government.”

He said the allegations of corruption were made during election time. “They also make allegations against our political party (that it is a) Hindu party and Hindutva”.

He however said there is no proof of the allegations of corruption. “We will stick to that only but we will work and we will come to know what is there. We also promise that we will not do such kinds of things,” Dr Ao said.

Whether he meant to say there was no corruption at all in the MDA-I government, the BJP leader however said, “I can’t say because at that time we were not so much acquainted with each other it is only we form the government to take the numbers but this time we are much more united.”

Hek, Shullai to share cabinet berth

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided that the cabinet berth will be shared between the two of its MLAs – Alexander Laloo Hek and Sanbor Shullai.

The decision came a day before Hek was sworn in as cabinet minister in the Conrad K Sangma-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-2) government.

In a letter to the NPP Chief, the BJP state president Ernest Mawrie said, “The party and its MLAs have symbiotically agreed to allow AL Hek to hold the berth for the first two and a half years which will end on August 7, 2025, following which Sanbor Shullai will hold the cabinet berth for the remaining term. Both the MLAs are hereby asked to respect and abide by the decision of the party and work mutually to ensure good governance and also to ensure check and balance.”

“Thus, I request your esteemed office to kindly honour the decision of the party and ensure both the MLAs get equal opportunity considering their seniority and support to your government,” he added.

BJP Meghalaya In-charge Dr M Chuba Ao along with Hek and Shullai were also signatories of the letter submitted to the NPP chief.

After attending the swearing-in ceremony of the 12-member council of ministers, Shullai told reporters that this time an official agreement to share the cabinet berth between the two MLAs was made in the presence of the party leaders unlike in the last term which was only a “verbal agreement”.

“Besides the chief minister, the letter was also sent to the BJP national president JP Nadda and general secretary Rituraj Sinha,” he said.

Shullai said he does not have any problem waiting for his turn to take over as cabinet minister after 2 and a half years.

On his role in the government, the former cabinet minister said, “It will depend on the prerogative of the chief minister. I will accept anything for the interest of the people of my constituency.”