SHILLONG, SEPT 14: “Drama can be utilized as an instrument to transform people’s lives,” Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said while inaugurating the new building of the Sein Jaintia – the oldest organization of the pnar people residing in Shillong – here on Thursday.
Established way back in 1947, the old hall of the Sein Jaintia was constructed under the concept of the ‘Iung Walieh’ or ‘While House’ – a community hall of the Jaintias where activities like drama and theatre are still quite famous even today.
Addressing on the occasion, Sangma said that he was told though such activity no longer taking place in Shillong but it is still there (drama) in Jowai which according to him is a ‘great news’.
“We can (still) start promoting drama here (Sein Jaintia building),” he said while referring to youths who have become victims of many vices including drugs as well as anti-social elements like militant outfits.
He said that drama can transform rebellious young boys if they are given a role to play important characters in the play adding asset such as these are of paramount importance.
Also suggesting that the building can also be utilized for helping people to upkeep their physical fitness, Sangma said he was happy to learn that there is already an engagement with the sports department for integrating the place for the National Games 2022.
Earlier, Sein Jaintia president Toki Blah informed that they have approached the sports department for making the building as an international standard for training badminton players. According to him, badminton coaches will also be provided in this regard.
The chief minister however said that it has been a challenge for the state government to host the national games but there is a big reason behind this as the games is part of commemorating the celebration of the 50th year of Meghalaya statehood.
“As we prepare for this, it is important to provide space for young boys and girls and others to engage in physical activities especially when we see lots of lifestyle diseases are affecting the productivity due to lack of physical activities and physical fitness,” he said.
He also pointed out the danger of children getting clued to smart phones and the amount of time they spend in such activity which is compromising with the need of physical activity.
Stating that even from the state government employees perspective, he said due lack of physical activity, they become less productive because of health reasons.
“The figures with regards to the medical reimbursement to government employees in department wise has increase on a regular basis,” he said adding “Therefore such activity will help the state insulate from preventable outflow of resources.”
In his speech, Shillong Member of Parliament Vincent H Pala said that the building was constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore.
Pala, who had also donated Rs 20 lakh to the Sein Jaintia, said that he would soon release another Rs 5 lakh to the organization.
He also lauded the model adopted by the organization for maintaining the building, which will also generate revenue from shops and offices which have rented the place.
“The new building will further unite the Jaintia people,” he said.
Meanwhile, senior advocate GS Massar reminded that the Sein Jaintia is an organization which is secular, non-religious and non-political, as he takes back the gathering to the 70 long years of journey of the organization.
A rendition by senior citizens and members of the organization was some of the highlights of the programme.
By Our Reporter
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