JSU disappointed with Meghalaya State Anthem

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 21: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has expressed disappointment over the alleged failure of the government to include Jaintia dialect in the Meghalaya State Anthem released on the occasion of the 52nd year of statehood celebration.

“We feel very disappointed that the state government instead of including the Jaintia dialect is promoting English in the State Anthem. This has greatly hurt the sentiments of the people of Jaintia Hills region,” the JSU said in a statement here.

“The government should also be aware that Meghalaya got its statehood by carving the two districts – the United Khasi and Jaintia and Garo Hills – out of Assam. Therefore, we strongly demand the government to take immediate corrective measures,” JSU said. It also demanded all MLAs from Jaintia Hills to voice out their concern against this and ensure Jaintia dialect is also included in the State Anthem.

“The state government should include dialects of all the three tribes – Khasi, Jaintia and Garo – in the State Anthem rather than promoting a foreign language,” the JSU asserted.

From shop keeping to becoming a knitting entrepreneur- The story of Malpleasha Mylliemngap

Shillong | March 8, 2023
Malpleasha Mylliemngap, is a mother of 5 who hails from Laitkroh, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Prior to taking up knitting garments as a full fledged business activity, her main source of livelihood was through shop keeping. Knitting was only a hobby before she took it up as a livelihood activity.
It was on days when her shopkeeping business was very low that she started knitting boots for babies through which she received many other orders because of the unique designs and quality products. Soon after, she also got orders for knitted scarves and shawls. Through her undivided commitment and perseverance, more orders came in for knitted caps, socks, purses, hoodies and dresses. She extensively relied on YouTube tutorials to learn different techniques and designs.
She also started a knitting class at the cost of five hundred rupees (₹500/-) per person where she provides training to the youth not only to upskill them but for employment generation. She has created a name for herself in her village and her daughter who is also a nurse makes time amidst her busy schedule to learn her mother’s craft.
Malpleasha wishes to expand her business and be able to be completely depend on it for her daily sustenance. As the knitting process is a tedious one that requires a lot of time and patience along with skills, it was a challenge for her to complete all orders on time because she did not have additional skilled manpower to help her. She also struggles with the lack of readily available and cheaper wool. The wool that she uses is bought from Shillong which is approximately 25km from her village.
Her enthusiasm for knitting led her to get identified under the PRIME Sauramandala Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (PSREF), a project under PRIME Meghalaya. Now she also hopes to come up with an official brand name for her products and also be financially able to purchase machines to produce uniform products. She was able to make the most use of support provided to her as part of the PRIME programme that helped her realize her potential.
This article has been featured in collaboration with PRIME Entrepreneurship Meghalaya. To know more about PRIME, visit: https://www.primemeghalaya.com/