By Heather C Phanwar
MEGHALAYA turned 50 today. She is excited as she usually is on her birthday, but this time it is special as along with her, the state too is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of statehood.
Yes, you guessed it right. Meghalaya Mawphniang resides in Umden, Mawlong in Ri Bhoi district and is the namesake of the state she lives in. She says that her parents named her after the state because she was born on the same day that statehood was conferred upon Meghalaya – January 21, 1972. “I am really happy for the state on its fifty years,” she said over telephone.
Before the pandemic began, Meghalaya was a contractor who lived a decent life feeding her family. But now, because of the ongoing pandemic, her life has changed drastically in the last two years. “We are unable to continue with our work since the cash flow is much less than what we need,” she said.
“With the pandemic crisis on, I had to search for another source to earn my livelihood. Now, I am into farming so that I can support my family,” Meghalaya added.
Today, Meghalaya’s daily chores include taking care of piggery, poultry, and broom making, among other agriculture-related activities. “We also grow pumpkins, chillies, fresh beans, and mustard leaves. We used to send our produce to Shillong. But nowadays, it is easier to send them to Assam since the distance is shorter and it is easier to sell the goods there,” she said.
Growing up with Meghalaya, the state, has made Meghalaya, the woman, privy to all the changes that have taken place in the state, especially, in Ri Bhoi. She says the government has helped the people in the district explore weaving and farming as profitable modes of earning. In the past 50 years, she also points out certain shortcomings in terms of low supply of water especially in the winter season which makes farming very difficult. “The soil becomes very dry and it is difficult to sow anything. Even though there is road connectivity, the roads are not in a good condition,” she said.
Meghalaya feels the state government needs to put special focus on improving the education sector so that the next generation can earn their sustenance doing dignified jobs. “I have four children. They’re in Shillong, doing menial jobs. I want the state to improve the education sector so that the state’s youth can aspire to find better jobs,” she said.
Going forward, Meghalaya wants the state to be a community that respects both God and man. “Being a Christian[1]majority state, we should… Ka jylla ba Tip Briew Tip Blei. I would like everyone in Meghalaya to earn with honesty and respect one another so that the state as a whole can prosper and move forward to achieve much more in the coming years.
ALSO WATCH: