Shangpung College hosts District Level Youth Festival to raise HIV/AIDS awareness

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 9, 2025

Shangpung College and its Red Ribbon Club, in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong, organised the “District Level Youth Festival of the Red Ribbon Club (Jaintia Hills Region)” on July 8 at Moolibang Community Hall, Shangpung. The event focused on the theme “Break the Stigma, Break the Silence, Break the Chain.”

The programme was graced by Linasa Balsime R. Marak, MCS, Assistant Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, and Dr. Frankinstar R. Shadap, Block Development Officer, C&RD Block, among others.

Six colleges from the Jaintia Hills region participated, including Thomas Jones Synod College, Jaintia Eastern College, Nongtalang College, Don Bosco College, Byndihati, and Shangpung College. Dr. P. Lamare gave an awareness talk on the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS and other health issues.

The festival featured competitions like Marathon, Quiz, and Inter-College Self-Composed Singing. Judges included Lyngkit Lyngdoh, Da-oo Biang Langstang, and Luckystar Lapasam.

In the women’s Marathon, Anidakashwa Shylla (Shangpung College) secured first place, followed by Wadakini Suchiang and Roibhaki Biam. Among men, Richel Khriam, Apdameihi Niang, and Tony Suting—all from Thomas Jones Synod College—took the top three spots.

The Quiz competition was won by Lummuro Secondary School, with Clear Water Secondary School and Shangpung RMSA Secondary School placing second and third respectively. In the singing competition, Thomas Jones Synod College emerged as the winner, followed by Shangpung College and Nongtalang College.

The event began with a welcome address by Dr. D. G. Lyngdoh, Principal of Shangpung College, and saw the presence of Dr. Phaity Lamare, District Tuberculosis Officer cum District AIDS Control Officer (East & West Jaintia Hills), along with officials from the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Emmitre Iakai.