AL Hek inaugurated Science and Technology Innovation Hub in Umsawli

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 23, 2022

Former Health Minister and Pynthorumkhrah MLA, AL Hek on Tuesday inaugurated the Science and Technology Innovation (STI) Hub, funded by the Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development Division (SEED), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and implemented by MLCU in Umsawli.

Addressing a gathering AL Hek lauded the efforts of the Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) in its initiative for improvement of the health status of the region while also creating employability through capacity building, training programmes and the fellowship programmes.

Principal Investigator Dr. Melarishisha Nongrum, Rangbah Shnong Mawput Pyllun R Kharkongor, Vice Chancellor, Prof TK Kharbamon, Registrar Dr Iwamon WJ Laloo, board members Ms. Patricia Mukhim, Mr. TTC Marak and Mr. T Mark, faculty, staff and students of the university were among others present at the function.

The STI Hub has been launched as part of a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India titled, “Development of Science and Technology innovation Hub: Utilisation and Adaption of Traditional Knowledge, Resources and Technological Advances in Post-Harvest Management and Nutrition for Empowering Children, Women and Youth in Tribal Meghalaya”.

The fellowship programme of STI Hub is called “Get Launched”, intends to help the youth especially those from the rural areas, in food production and entrepreneurship. Through this project 10 micro processing units will be set up in Ri-Bhoi district.

This Hub uses green technology such as solar dehydrator and the black and grey water recycling system, a system which recycles lab waste and faecal waste and is also the first of its kind to be used in Meghalaya. This project will improve the consumption of nutritious food using local produce among children, it will provide a space for youth to experiment their ideas before launching their enterprises and improve post-harvest management of resources.

This day also marked the 16th Foundation Day of the university and the Vice Chancellor Prof. T K Kharbamon in her address reminisced about the growth of the university since its inception to its present day. She further stated that the university has touched another milestone and express hope in a brighter future.

R Kharkongor, the Rangbah Shnong of Mawpat Pyllun in his speech, said that he is extremely happy that MLCU has taken the initiative to set up this Hub in this area as it will be beneficial for the people of the area as a whole. He wished MLCU the very best in this endeavour.