Shillong, Jun 25: The Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association began its 10th anniversary celebrations here today, with hundreds of members and supporters in attendance.
The three-day event is being held at the All Saints Hall at IGP.
The opening day witnessed the presentation of the financial report of the association going back to its founding when it began with not a paisa to its name. Through sustained contributions from its members, the association now has a small pool of financial resources to utilise in its work to advocate for the rights of hawkers and street vendors, which it does in the face of government pressure and oftentimes hostility.
A speech was delivered by the Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety (Enforcement) in East Khasi Hills, DBS Mukhim. Unlike most in government, she was conciliatory towards the hawkers and vendors, agreeing that they play an important part in making the city feel safer, especially at night.
However, she did add that her officials have to crack down against erring hawkers, though she said that, in her experience, Meghalaya’s street food sellers are among the best in India at maintaining hygiene.
A stirring musical performance by the renowned Tipriti Kharbangar followed one of the day’s highlights – a hilarious short play on hawkers versus the government machinery and the latter’s obsession with grandiose projects coupled with ambivalence towards the common man. Four hawkers and several local actors were the performers in the play, which was written by Ellerene Diengdoh and Lapdiang Syiem.
The general public is welcome to the event, dubbed a ‘Citizens Mela’. Stalls selling delicious food, trinkets, garments, knicknacks provide plenty to browse through and a section of plants will be of interest to gardening aficionados.
Tomorrow, the second day, there will be a public discourse on ‘Building People’s Digital Infrastructure’ that benefits the workers. The last day, Saturday, will witness another public interaction on ‘Why Shillong is Still Stuck’, which will focus on navigating the city and the government’s Smart City promises. The programme will start on both days at 10am.
