Former president of Seiñraij Jowai, OR Challam has been bestowed with the VKIC Sanmaan 2025 during the 28th foundation day of the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture.
Shallam, a dedicated promoter of traditional faith and an active community organiser from West Jaintia Hills has played a significant role in preserving the indigenous traditions of the region. With over 33 years of experience in education and cultural advocacy, he has been instrumental in strengthening the roots of traditional faith practices in Meghalaya.
The award was conferred to Shallam at a function held at the Guwahati Medical College held on January 31.
It may be mentioned that Shallam was a college teacher for 33 years. He was a member of the Board of Management of Dispur University and is currently a member of the Minority Commission Education Cell.
As the president of the Seiñ Raij Jowai, Shallam was instrumental in reviving the Shad Sukra in 2006, an annual sowing festival of the Pnars to honour ‘Ka Bei Rym-aw’ (Mother Nature).
