The Science and Technology Innovation Hub of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) was inaugurated today by Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek.
The hub has been funded by the central government’s Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development Division (SEED) and is located in Umsawli.
Hek was the chief guest and was joined at the function by Principal Investigator Melarishisha Nongrum, Rangbah Shnong Mawput Pyllun R Kharkongor, Vice-Chancellor Prof TK Kharbamon, Registrar Iwamon WJ Laloo, faculty, staff and students of the university.
Hek lauded the efforts of MLCU in its initiative for improvement of the health status of the region while also creating employability through capacity building, training programmes and fellowship programmes.
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 Adaptation 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, 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. This hub uses green technology, such as solar dehydrators and the ‘black and grey water’ recycling system, which recycles lab waste and faecal matter and is also the first of its kind 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, an MLCU press release said.
Today also marked the 16th Foundation Day of the university and the VC, in her address, reminisced about the growth of the university since its inception to the present day.
R Kharkongor, the Rangbah Shnong of Mawpat Pyllun, 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.
