Players felicitated

‘It does not matter whether one wins or loses, all that matters is the performance and spirit. The people of Manipur, from the hills as well as the Imphal valley, are proud of the eight players who participated in the U-17 FIFA World Cup”, chief minister Biren Singh said while handing over cheques of Rs 500,000 to each player, says a report in the Imphal Free Press.

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Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem (goalkeeper), Boris Singh Thangjam, Jakson Singh Thounaojam, Nongdamba Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Ningthoinganba Meitei and Md Shah Jahan were invited to the Secretariat along with their guardians for the reception.

The state government had earlier announced the cash reward in recognition of the hard work, achievement and performance of the players. Singh said that the cash awards did not imply the state government was financially sound but they were a token of appreciation and love for the players on behalf of the 2.8 million people of the state.

New at Guwahati

Last week Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the North-east’s first multi-level automated car parking lot on RG Baruah Road in front of Shraddhanjali Kanan, says a report in the Assam Tribune. The project cost Rs 14.33 crore and was developed by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority.

The chief minister also launched the service of aquatic weed harvesters, procured from the US at a cost of Rs 7.5 crore, to keep the city’s water-bodies clean and free from unwanted plants. He said a series of activities have been launched to develop Guwahati as the gateway to Southeast Asia. As many as 302 cars can be parked at the new parking area, and it will be operated by technically-skilled and trained personnel.

Elderly care

A day care centre for the elderly — Open Doors — was inaugurated in Dimapur on Thursday, says a report in the Morung Express. A first-of-its-kind in the state, the centre located at Diphupar B near the Chakhesang Baptist Church was inaugurated in the presence of pastors of the different churches of Diphupar and senior citizens of the village. Headed by Sotisola Imkong, project Open Doors is a non-profit mission of Orija Welfare Society and envisions providing “a platform of interaction among the Senior Citizen Community.” “The idea behind Open Doors is to encourage the senior citizens of our community to embrace aging and have a positive outlook,” said Sotisola at the dedication programme.

According to her, the name Open Doors was inspired by the core value of Orija Welfare Society, “which is progress with inclusivity; opening doors to new ideas of charity and changing minds.” The centre would also provide basic health services, grooming and other social activities specific to the age and needs of the members.

For this, the centre has roped in the services of two medical professionals, Dr Sentitoshi, MD of Medicus Clinic Diphupar and Dr S Meyisenla Angh, dental surgeon of Shamakok Dental Clinic, Nagarjan. Under their supervision, the centre will hold regular free health camps and provide free primary care according to requirements. It will also provide one meal a day prepared according to the requirements of a geriatric diet chart.

While stating that the centre will focus on imparting life skills pertinent to senior citizens, it was added that the place has ample ground space for light physical exercise and gardening. Disabled-friendly, the place has facilities to enable free mobility of wheelchairs. For recreation, it has board games, television and a minilibrary