UMIAM:
As the North East Regatta began today, the Umiam Watersports Complex served as a stage for performers from all over the world. It is being organised by The Meghalaya Tourism Department in collaboration with the Umaim Sailing Club.
Inuagurating the event, Chief Guest and Minister of Tourism and Art and Culture, Paul Lyngdoh harped on the immense potential of tourism as livelihood provider in the state.
“We can now hold events here that are held internationally. Tourism has the potential of feeding every single family in Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh said.
He said Umiam meant ‘crying water/river’, but today it was “weeping tears of joy.”
He recalled when writer Khushwant Singh passed by Umiam on his way to Shillong, he had asked his driver, “What is this lake called?”
”Barapani”, the driver replied. Singh then retorted, “What an unpoetic name!”
Umiam Lake has since stuck as a name.
Lyngdoh also drew an analogy between politics and sailing, saying “if you don’t move on, you sink.”
The opening ceremony was also graced by Titosstarwell Chyne, Chief Executive Officer, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, L.R Bishnoi, Director General of Police, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya, Cyril V Diengdoh, Director of Tourism and Lt. Col. Alok Yadav, Technical Director, Umiam Sailing Club.