CNN

Case Study on CNN

1.      Introduction

CNN is one of the world’s biggest media and entertainment industries which has significant role in international communications.  It had a humble beginning and was derogatorily referred to by rivals as ‘Chicken Noodle Network’ because of its simplicity and of its advertisement. The slogan of CNN is ‘Go There This is CNN’. CNN delivers the latest breaking news and information on the latest top stories, weather, business, entertainment, politics, and more. It is watched by the ordinary people, government ministers, top bureaucrats, company chief executives, military chiefs, religious and academic elites. CNN News group was one of the largest and most profitable news and information companies in the world. It has six cable and satellite television networks, two radio networks, 11 web sites on CNN interactive, CNN Airport Network and CNN News source.

2.      History

The New York-based Time Warner, the world’s largest entertainment and Information Company, started The Cable News Network (CNN) and was launched by an American media proprietor Ted Turner at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 1, 1980. CNN is a basic cable and satellite television channel that has major businesses in movies, publishing, music, cable TV and internet. Bernard Shaw was the first news anchor of CNN and was the chief anchor till his retirement in 2001. CNN is a 24 hours dedicated television news channel that grew just over a decade to become a premier global news network.

The Atlanta-based Cable News Network (CNN) became the first television channel to provide 24-hour news coverage and was the first all-news television channel in USA. It has become one of the world’s leading international news channels especially after the deregulation and liberalisation of the international communication sector in the 1990s. The use of satellite technology which was a mixture of intelsat, tersputnik, PanAmSat and regional satellite signals made CNN start international service within five years after it was launched.  Its move from a national to a global new organisation was also due to its aggressive strategy of covering live international news events, through news exchange programmes with more than 100 broadcasting organisations across the world[1].

3.      CNN Programming

CNN has variety of programmes which fulfil the audience need to get information, education and entertainment. The 24 hours television network, CNN has rolling news programming, interview programs, documentaries, debates, special programmes, medical program, finance program, factual programming, political talk shows, sports and others. Some of the CNN programming are morning programming consists of Early Start, followed by New Day, in late-morning and early afternoon programming consists of CNN Newsroom, late afternoon and early evening programming consists of The Lead. In the evening and primetime more in-depth programming like Erin Burnett OutFront, Anderson Cooper 360°, a call-in talk show with a live audience like TalkBack Live and a program focusing on issues and advancements in the computer industry like Computer Connection. During the weekend special programmes like medical program Sanjay Gupta MD, the finance-oriented program like Your Money, and others like Inside Politics with John King, State of the Union with Candy Crowley, CNN Live Saturday, CNN Live Sunday and the media analysis program Reliable Sources.

4.      Reachability and publishing arm

CNN did not restrict itself only to national audience in USA but through CNN International they air their programme to over 212 countries and territories. It is available to more than 800 million people worldwide. The company has 36 bureaus (10 domestic, 26 international), more than 900 affiliated local stations (which also receive news and features content via the video newswire service CNN News source), and several regional and foreign-language networks around the world[2]. CNN2 which later came to be known as CNN Headline News (HLN) was launched on January 1, 1982 to provide continuous 24-hour live news coverage. The publishing arm of the company is Time Inc. With its flagship international magazine Time and 32 other magazines, including Fortune, Life, People, Sports Illustrated, Entertainment Weekly and Asiaweek[3].

CNN is specialising in building up personality and those news anchors will be representing the news channel itself. For example in CNN-IBN Rajdeep Sardesai and Barkha Dutt became famous because the channel helped them to be so. So when we speak of CNN-IBN we usually associate with Rajdeep or Barkha Dutt. Politically CNN is quite neutral. Even though CNN has a leaning towards Democratic Party, still most of the coverage seems to be left-centric and not fully with the left party.

5.      Major events where CNN gave coverage are;

5.1  The launch and subsequent explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986.

5.2  The rescue of an 18-month-old toddler, Jessica McClure, who fell down in a well in Midland, Texas.

5.3  The only news channels to provide live reports from the al-Rashid Hotel in Baghdad during Persian Gulf War in 1991. Some scholars termed the impact of CNN during this war as ‘CNN effect’. CNN has an effect on political and economic sectors at global level.

5.4  The first news channels to cover the bombing of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 at 8:49 a.m. Eastern Time.

5.5  In 2007, the channel hosted the first CNN-YouTube presidential debates during the Democratic and Republican primary seasons.

5.6  It has the highest viewership during the 2008 U.S. presidential election because of its up to date news.

5.7  It devoted a large amount of time for the 2012 U.S. presidential election especially the debate between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama.

CNN was instrumental for many television networks in the world. In the 1993 it involved in the launch of TV 6, the first private television network in Russia. It was one of the first Western news organisations to open a bureau in Cuba. It entered into agreement with China Cable Television (CCTV) to receive and selectively distribute its programme. The live coverage of the 1991 Gulf War by their reporters make CNN to the world’s first ‘real time’ war, in television became the first and principal source of information[4] for people, military and political intelligence. It was the only news outlet with the ability to communicate from inside Iraq during the initial hours of the Coalition bombing campaign, with live reports from the al-Rashid Hotel in Baghdad[5]. It was through CNN that people were able to watch the Chinese students protesting against authorities in Beijing’s Tianamen Square in 1989. CNN Deutschland, a half-hour daily German language slots was introduced in 1997. In the same year CNN en Espanol, a Spanish language channel based in Atlanta was launched for the Latin American market. In 1999 CNN Turk, a Turkic channel was launched. CNN-IBN, an Indian news channel, CNNj, a Japanese news outlet, CNN Indonesia, an Indonesian news outlet and CNN Chile, a Chilean news channel that launched on December 4, 2008.

6.      CNN venture

Theodore Roosevelt said, “There can be no life without change, and to be afraid of what is different or unfamiliar is to be afraid of life.” CNN did not remain stagnant but give way to change. It ventures into different areas such as finance, sports, travel, entertainment, news, weather, technology, fashion, World, U.S., Video, Health, IReport and a lot more. CNNfn was a financial service started in 1995 to provide coverage on stock. CNN-SI (Sport Illustrated) to provide 24 hours coverage on sport, CNN style to provide information about latest designs in fashion world, CNN technology to provide up to date information on technology, CNN Freedom Project which deals with humanitarian news media campaign, CNN Airport which is the only live TV service broadcast to travellers in US airports, CNN Headline News (HLN) which focused on live news coverage, CNN entertainment which deals with information about  entertainment industry and CNN Heroes to honour individuals who make extraordinary contributions to humanitarian aid and make a difference in their communities. CNN Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other social media to reach out to the mass was also introduced. CNN Newsource is one of the world’s most extensive syndicated news services with more than 200 international affiliates[6]. CNN News group has two CNN radio networks; they are CNN Radio and a Spanish version of CNN Radio Noticias.

7.      Media Theories in relation to CNN

Agenda Setting Theory: Dr. Max McCombs and Dr. Donald Shaw: CNN sets the agenda for other news channels.

Two Step Flow Theory: Paul Lazarsfeld, Bernard Berelson, and Hazel Gaudet: CNN were opinion leaders and people totally rely on information given by CNN.

8.      Criticism

CNN at times sacrifice depth in favour of the widest and quickest reach of the live news to heterogeneous global audience. For example the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013 where two people were wrongly reported as suspects. Occasionally there is lack of accuracy in the news they provided. For many non-Americans, CNN was and remains the voice of the US Government and corporate elite, despite its international presence, its multinational staff and its claims to be free from US geo-strategic and economic interests.

9.      Conclusion

CNN has been one of the most trusted, viewed and popular cable and satellite networks in the world. The nature of providing latest news, entertaining programmes and interactive talk shows grasp the attention of viewers.

Bibliography

Books

Thussu, Daya Kishan (2003) International Communication. New York:  Hodder Arnold publications.

Internet

http://www.asgllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CS_CNN.pdf accessed on 4/1/2015

http://www.f-i.com/cnn/ accessed on 4/1/2015

http://www. Cnn.com accessed on 6/1/2015

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN accessed on 6/1/2015

Footnotes

---

[1] Thussu, Daya Kishan (2003) International Communication. New York:  Hodder Arnold publications. pg. 157

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN accessed on 6/1/2015

[3] Thussu, Daya Kishan (2003) International Communication. New York:  Hodder Arnold publications. pg. 121

[4] Thussu, Daya Kishan (2003) International Communication. New York:  Hodder Arnold publications. pg. 157

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN accessed on 6/1/2015

[6] Thussu, Daya Kishan (2003) International Communication. New York:  Hodder Arnold publications. pg. 159

Lent calls for a radical transformation

Lent is a season that calls for an inner transformation and transform in our external action. Fasting during lent does not mean only fasting or abstaining from food. It is a time that calls for a wholesome transformation that is transformation from

Ø  Selfishness to Selflessness

Ø  Hatred to Love

Ø  Accusations to Appreciation

Ø  Anger to Forgiveness

Ø  Enmity to Friendship

Ø  Confusion to Precision

Ø  Fighting to Peacefulness

Ø  Unfaithfulness to Faithfulness

Ø  Sexual pleasure to True Love

Ø  Anxiety to Joy

Ø  Insecurity to Security

Ø  Doubt to Trust

The first words from the list are areas that destroy love and ruin life. The second are virtues that give life, increase love, and set people free. Lent is a season that helps people to be free from the bondage of sin and stained relationship. It helps us to be united with God and with our fellow human being. When we follow the virtues that lent offers us we will become a person of love, joy and fulfilment. We will obtain the highest stage of needs that Maslow speaks about in his theory of hierarchy of needs.

Life is not a bed or roses always. There are thorns, trials, hardship which we can call as daily crosses. We have to walk through these daily crosses patiently and with determination like Jesus. Aim to Love, Serve, Forgive and give life to people always. People might slap, abuse, insult, threaten or beat us in our journey.  God’s love for us is unconditional and because of His unconditional love he could bear all the suffering and finally reveal the joy of glory in Easter. So when we do things for Love and for building life we will face problems and difficulties but never lose hope for this is an act of unconditional love and it will lead us to the resurrection and joy of Easter.

                When Lent provides us such a good opportunity to live a transformed and life of freedom should we not take it seriously in our lives?

Written by

Medosanu WeO and Shaining Star Lyngdoh Marshillong

Date: 22/2/2015

Valentine’s Day means self-sacrifice

Valentine’s Day is an exciting day for lovers. It is a day where they show their love, care and concern for each other. It is a day where love overpowers hurts, hatred and anger.  Often people associate Valentine’s Day with romance or intimate relationship. But is this what Valentine’s Day really meant? As per the legend St. Valentine sacrificed himself for the persecuted Christians. He showed love and compassion, gave hope and assistance, he brought peace and forgiveness, and made people smile amidst persecution.

We call February 14 as Valentine’s Day, how beautiful relationship will be if we learn to be like St. Valentine. We need to understand that celebrating Valentine’s Day means celebrating life with the people we love, with our family members, with our friends and to try even reconciling with our enemies and expand our horizon of friends.

Valentine’s Day is a day to remove selfishness, ego and pleasure of the flesh. It is a day where we emptied ourselves for the other. Valentine’s week has Rose Day, Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day, Kiss Day, and Valentine Day. These days are occasions that we sacrifice ourselves to give life, hope and encouragement to one another and radiate joy not just to your own lover but to all people you encounter. Mother Teresa said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing”. Valentine’s Day will be more meaningful when we can give smile, love, hope and joy not just to those we love but to all people. Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Author

Medosanu Weo and Shaining Lyngdoh

St. Joseph’s Evening College

Museum Road
Bangalore

Ko khun Khasi phi ieid ne em ïala ka ri?

Ngi ki khasi ngi long ka jaitbynriew ba kyrpang bad bapher bha na kiwei. Ka jaitbynriew Khasi ka kyrpang ha ki ba bun ki liang kum; ka niam ka rukom, ka kolshor, ka riam ka beit, ka jinghiar pateng bad jingshim jait na ka kmie, ka rukom shna ïing, ka ktien ka thylliej bad bun kiwei de. Ngi long shisha ka ri ba riewspah ha ka niam ka rukom, ka riam ka beit, ki riti dustur bad ka mei mariang. Ngi ki khasi ngi iaid ngi ieng ha kane ka sla pyrthei da ka ba bud janai ïa ki hukum ba ngi ki khasi ngi ngeit ba la ai da U Blei. Kine ki hukum ki long.

1.      Tip Briew Tip Blei

2.      Tipkur Tipkha

3.      Kamai ia ka Hok

Ngi ki khasi ngi ngeit ba U Blei u ieid eh ïa ngi bad dei nakane ka daw u la ai ïa ngi ki hukum ne ki riti dustur khnang ba ngin ïa im suk im sain bad ngin iaieid parabriew. Ha ka juk ba mynta patde to ngin iapeit janai ba lada ngi kam ialade ba ngi dei ki khasi ngi bud ne em ïa ki riti dustur ba u long- shuwa manshuwa u la ai ia ngi. Lada ngim bud ïa ki riti dustur ngam tharai ba ngi dei hok ban khot ïalade ki khasi.

1.      Tip briew tip blei

Ngi long ka jaitbynriew ba tipbriew tip blei bad Tip kur tip kha. Dei na kane ka daw ba mynshuwa ym ju don nongkhrong ne ba iap thngan namar ba ka longkur longjait ka bah ka shan ha kino kino ki jinglanot. Ngi ki khasi ngi long ka jaitbynriew ba tieng Blei bad dei na kane ka daw ba ngi don ka kñia ka khriam ban beh krat ia u ksuid u khrei na ka khyndew ka muluk bad na ka jaitbynriew jongngi.

Ngi ki khasi ngi long ka jaitbynriew ba ngeit, ba shaniah bad ba aiti ha U Blei. Ngi dei ruh ka jaitbynriew ba ieid bad ba ïarap ïala ki para briew. Kumba ngi burom ia U Blei ngi burom ruh ïa ki parabriew.

Ka juk mynta ka dei ka juk khwan shimet, ka juk ba ki mar ki mata ki kham kordor ban ia u Blei bad ïa ki briew. Te hango ngi ki khasi ngi ïeng mynta? Bun ki khasi mynta kim ju don ka kñia ka khriam, kim ju kynmaw ïa U Blei bad ki don ruh ki bym ngeit Blei. Bun ki khasi mynta ki long khar khrong, ki long ki ba pynïap briew, kim ju ïarap ïala ki ba ha ïing hasem bad ki don ki ba kheiñ ïa kiwei kum ki mrad. Hato ki Khasi kiba leh kumne ki dei ne em ki Khasi? Lada ngi dei shisha ki khun Khasi ngi dei ban im Tip briew tip Blei.

2.      Tip Kur Tip Kha.

Ngi long ka jaitbynriew ba ïatylli lang “U Blei ym lah ban im kum ka dew lynnong” ong ka jingrwai. Ngi ki Khasi ngim lah ban im khlem ki ba ha ïing hasem, ki kur ki jait ne ki meikha, Bakha. Ka Ri Khasi hi ka jin da la jah rngai lada ym don ki kur ki kha. U briew u bym tip kur tip kha U dei U mynder. Ki Khasi ki shaid don ka jingia kynduh kum ka jingialum kur, ha ka jingïap, jingkhawai dap snem, ne jingiathoh kurim. Ngi long ka jaitbynriew ba ïatrei lang ha ka iap ka im. Ka jingpynshitom ba jur tam ia u khasi ka long ka jingshahtait kur na ki daw ba ïa uta I briew ym khein kor ïa ka sneng ka kraw ne burom ia ki ba kham heh kham san.

Katba ki briew ki kham nang kham stad bad kham don kham em ka jaitbynriew khasi ka nang hiar dor. Ka kham hiar dor namar ba ngi ki khasi ngi la sdang ban khwan shimet. La duna ka jingïajan shi kur shikha lane ka jingiarap markylliang. Teng teng wat shipara ruh ngi ïashun ïania na ka daw ba ngi kwah ban kham riewspah. Ki don ruh ki bym ju wan wat ha ba don jingïathoh ne jingïap na ka daw ba ki ia kajia spah. Ngim ju burom ïa ki baha ïing hasem. Ne ïa ki kha ki man. Te hato ngi dei shisha ne em ki Khasi? Lada ngi dei shisha ki khun Khasi ngi dei ban im Tip Kur Tip Kha.

3.      Kamai ia ka hok

Kamai ia ka hok kamut ban im da la ka umsyep bad ka snam. Kane ka hukum ka pynpaw shai ba ngi ki Khasi, ki khun u Hynniew trep hynniew skum ngi long ki briew ba im hok im sot. Kane ka hukum ka pynlong ïa ngi ki Khasi ba ngin kren ïa ka jingshisha, ngi dei ban burom parabriew bad ngi dei ban ‘ai hok ne ïoh hok' ïala ka nong ka kuna. Dei na kine ki daw ba ngi ki khasi ngi long kiba sngur bad hok ha ka jingim ne jingmut jingpyrkhat bad ym ju don nongtuh, nongbishni ne ba khwan shimet. Hynrei ngi long ka jaitbynriew ba ïa ieid bad ïarap markylliang. Ki khasi ki don ka jingiatehsong kaba skhem bha bad la ki kur ki kha. Ki kur ki kha ki iarap bad kyrshan markylliang ha ka ïap ka im. Ki briew baroh ki sngewkmen bad sngewsuk mynsiem namar ka kur ka jait ka ïatylli.

            Ka jylla Meghalaya jong ngi mynta ka pawnam ha ka jingbamsap. Ka spah, ka nam, bad ka bor ki la long kynrad bad ki la pynjngai ïa ngi na ki briew bad U Blei. Tang ban ïoh kamai bha ki thok ki shukor bad ki pynïap briew. Haba ka kamai kajih jong kiwei ka kham bha ngi bishni bad don wat ki ba kwah ban khanglad ban nang roi shuh shuh. Ki don ki khasi mynta ki im ym da la ka umsyep hynrei ki shu leit khrong bad leit dawa pisa na kiwei. Ki don ki khasi ki ba leit tuh ïa u soh u pai kiwei. Ki don ki Khasi kiba shu shong jaituh ha ïing bad ap bam na kiwei wat lada ki dei ki ba dang eh met eh phat. Ki khasi mynta ki la kwah tang ban im suk khlem trei eiei eiei. Te hato ngi dei shisha ne em ki Khasi? Lada ngi dei shisha ki khun Khasi ngi dei ban long ki briew ba Kamai ïa ka hok.

Ko khun samla ka ri khasi, Ko khun tip breiw tip Blei ka ri bad ko rang bad thei dajied ka ri Khasi, ieng joit mynta, khie noh na ka ba thiah, pyneh la ki tyrpeng ale ngin ieng ïaleh. Ka jingsniew ka la don hajan jong ngi mait naphang bad wat ai ba ka jingsniew kan synshar ïa ngi. Ka shong ha ngi ko khun samla ka ri ryngkat ka jingïasnoh kti lang jong ki kmie ki kpa ba ngin pynlong biang ia ka ri ka ri khasi ka ri ba tipbriew tipblei, ri ba tip kur tip kha, ri ba kamai ia ka hok, ri ba tiphok tip sot bad ka ri ba don burom ba don akor. 'Ale ngin ïatrei lang bad pyllait ïa ka Ri khasi na ka jingdum bad jingjot'.

By Shaining Star Lyngdoh Marshillong

Published in Mawphor on 16 January, 2015

http://mawphor.com/more?category=articles&id=753

Life of mother earth is life of humanity

Mother Earth:

I am a mother with air, water and land, living and non-living beings as vital part of my life. My father clothe me with the grandeur beauty of blooming flowers, chirping birds, flowing rivers, satisfying food, nourishing fruits, pattering rain, warming sunlight, glittering gold and innumerable priceless clothing. I am the costliest and privileged mother.

I bear lovely children and I share my life with them. My children are so beautiful, full of life and are moving around my body. Oh! My lovely children, they chirp, they cry, they sing, they creep, they crow. Their noise is my song, their smell is my fragrance and their variety is my beauty. Air, you blow life into me, water you quench my thirst and shelter my children. Plants, you clothe, beautify me and provide food to my children. Animals, insects, birds, reptiles, worms and flies, you help me in pro-creation and make my body warm through your song and movements.

My beloved human beings, you are my special child. My father has made you special with the gift of mind, body and soul. I love you more than myself. Are you happy, my child with whatever I give you? I want you and your generations to come, to be happy always. My child, all that I have, air, water, plants, fish, food, flowers, birds, animals, and all that is in me belong to you. You are the master of all living and non-living things. My life is yours and you are the master of my life. I love you so much my child and so all that is inside and outside me, you own them all.

My human child, your intelligence, your creativity and your hard work has really made me proud. You discovered and invented new things which I never dreamt of. You plant variety of flowers, vegetables and plants to enrich my beauty. You make my life vibrant through your songs, dances, your cultures and traditions. When you talk, laugh and pray, you deepen my relationship with you and with my father. The parks, buildings, monuments, stadiums, bridges and other creations that you made in me gives me delight and you made me to become a more complete mother. I am proud of you my child, thank you for your love.

I love to give the best to my children. I want to provide variety of food, vegetables and fruits which gives you vitamins and energy. I want to give you fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink and a safe place to live. How happy and contented I am to give whatever I have to my children and make them happy.

My children, as time pass by, I am so worried and I cry for you every day. I tried my best to overcome all the sufferings and torments that I undergo so that I can continue to provide you with all the things you need. How I long to remain healthy and happy in order to make you healthy and happy.

My dear human child, you are my favourite and adorable child and I love you so much. I give you everything and my entire life is yours. My child, I weep day and night with bitter tears, I live in agonising pain and I am becoming so weak. I love you my dear human child but why are you repaying my love with such hatred, rudeness and selfishness.

How can I make you happy when I am crying and suffering for 24*7? You poison me with chemicals and destroy my children heartlessly for your selfishness and greed. You shaved my head, stripped my clothes and disfigured me. Oh! Where has my beauty gone?

You spit on me, dump all the wastes in me, you rape me and you burn me alive. My child, I exist for you but why are you doing this to me? I gave you freedom to use me but why are you ill-treating me this way? I have sufficient resources for you and for your generations to come. Oh how painful my child, when you dig me up and take all the coal, gold, oil, uranium and other natural resources which I have formed with great pain for several years. Use it my child and enjoy it, but do not destroy and exploit me to satisfy your selfishness and greed, for money, power and position. My child, my Father gave you intelligence, creativity and hard work not to build more buildings, bridges, roads, industries and stadiums more than what is needed to destroy me and my children. Your unending wants destroy my beauty, my ability and kill my children.

My child, I can’t breathe because the air is so thick filled with chemicals and destroy my lungs every day. I can’t enjoy the water because it is filled with pesticides, fertilisers and detergents. I pity my children that die every day in water. I can’t flow and move freely to provide fresh water because you, my child have blocked my path for your selfishness. My music is disappearing because birds, insects, flies and other creatures are vanishing day by day. My majestic animals, the tiger, lion, elephants, bear and others have disappeared and are endangered.

My human child, every day you destroy my beauty, take my energy and kill my children. How can I be happy and make you happy?

Please help me my human child. Please take care of all my children. Please don’t destroy me and don’t hurt me for your selfish motive. Will you help me my child?

Human Being:

Your existence is life to us, your sickness is suffering to us and you dying is our death.

We are sorry dear mother. From today, we give ourselves to love and care for you.

Author

By Shaining Star Lyngdoh Marshillong

Jakhong Village, Meghalaya, India

Shillong: a destination you should not miss

Come to the former capital of Assam and the current capital of Meghalaya and experience a cold morning, a cool day, and a foggy evening in Shillong. The city is 1496 meters above sea level and has a population of around 270,000.

Shillong is predominantly occupied by the Khasis who belongs to the Mon-Khmer family. They follow a matrilineal system in Society where the daughter takes care of the ancestral property while the eldest son is the head of the clan. A majority of the population are Christians.  There are significant Assamese, Bengali, and Nepali minorities. Shillong also holds the first University in the North Eastern Region known as The North Eastern Hill University, well know colleges like St Edmund's College, St Anthony's College, St Mary's College, Lady Kean College, Seng Khasi College, and others which invite students from different parts of Northeast. Shillong is therefore, a hub of many cultures where the Khasis meet the Nagas, Mizos, Manipuris, Tripuris, Assamese, Arunachalis and Sikkimese.

Shillong is a magnificent hill station known as 'Scotland of the East' and house several natural lakes, waterfalls, and other tourist spots. Some of the tourist spots that a traveller can enjoy in Shillong include Umiam (Barapani Lake), Don Bosco Centre on Indigenous Cultures, Nan Polok (Wards Lake), Lady Hydari Park, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Golf course and others. Brief look into some of these attractive tourist spots

Umiam Lake: Umiam which is also known as Barapani lake is one of the major lakes situated towards the north of Shillong. This lake resembles the 'Lochs', or lakes of Scotland and it is the main lake used for hydel power project that generated electricity for the state of Megalaya. People can enjoy boat ride, fishing and the scenic beauty of this place. There is a water sports complex. There is a garden (Lum Nehru park) by the side water sports complex.

Don Bosco Centre on Indigenous Cultures: Don Bosco Centre on Indigenous Cultures is a must visit tourist centre. This largest cultural museum in the whole Asia is the house of the eight North Eastern States of India. The museum is under the care of the Salesian order of the Catholic Church. It is the visual library of the entire North Eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura. It is located within the precincts of the Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai.

 Wards Lake: Wards Lake which is also known as Nan Polok or Lover’s Park is an artificial lake surrounded by a fairly large garden. The wooden bridge at the middle of the late attracts visitors the most because they could feed the numerous varieties of fish. Boating is another attraction of this place. Lotus in the lake and the flower gardens add beauty to the Lake.

Lady Hydari Park: Lady Hydari Park could also be termed as eco-eriendly Park in Shillong. It has variety of local flowering plants and orchids. The small zoo inside the park attracts more people to visits since there are no major zoos in Shillong. Swings, sea-saws and comfortable seating places add joy to visitors especially to children. This Park which spread around a kilometre is name after Lady Hydari, the first lady of the state, wife of the Governor of Assam.

Shillong Peak: Visiting Shillong without visiting Shillong peak is incomplete. Shillong peak gives a birds-eye-view of the entire city. Visiting Shillong peak in the evening makes you feel as if you are seeing heaven on earth. Shillong peak is 1965 meters above sea level. Shillong peak hosts to a radar station for Indian Air force.

Elephant Falls: The rock which resembled an elephant at the side of the falls made the British to name the fall as Elephant falls. On the way to the falls there are shops that sell traditional handicrafts and various local and non-local food items that attract and refresh tourists. The falls is located in Upper Shillong area which also houses the Eastern Air Command of Indian Airforce.

To visit Shillong, a traveller can take an aeroplane, helicopter, or choose to travel by road. Meghalaya is known as the ‘abode of clouds’ so at times aeroplane or helicopter services are cancelled. People need to carry warm clothes and be prepared to enjoy the winding roads to Shillong. Visit Shillong and enjoy the tourist spots, music, food, fresh air and meet the always welcoming Khasi people. Visiting Shillong will give you an idea about the entire North Eastern states in India.http://ocdcorner.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/shillong-a-destination-you-shouldnt-miss/ 

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por ban long kum U Krist ba im

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por ba ia u Krist la kha. Ka pynkynmaw ruh iangi ba, ‘U Krist u la shah iap, U Krist U la mihpat bad U Krist un sa wan pat’. U Jisu u la wan sha kane ka pyrthei 2014 snem mynshuwa bad u la iai shong iai sah bad ngi naduh kita ki por bad un sa bteng ban wan ha ka jingim jongngi man ka sngi. Ki briew ba duwai, ba puson shaphang U Jisu, ki briew ba iamap, ba iasuk, iaieid, kiba iarap ia ki parabriew, bad ki briew ba len lade ban pynbha ia ka imlang sahlang kin sa shem ia U Jisu ha ka jingim jongki. Ka Kristmas ka dei ka tlong ba wanrah jingim ha ka jingiadei jongngi bad U Blei bad ki parabriew bad ka mei mariang jongngi. Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por ba U Blei u pynpaw ia ka jingieid bapura, ka jingieid khlem jingthew iangi ki khun bynriew. Ban puson kham janai ia ka jingmut kane ka por jongka jingkyrkhu kine ki symboh pyrkhat harum ki lah ban iarap iangi.

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jingpynbna.

U Angel Gabriel u la pynbna ba yn sa kha ia U Jisu (Lk 1:26-32). U la pynbna ha ki nongap langbrot ba la kha ia U nongpynim ka pyrthei (Lk 2: 8-20).  Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por jongka jingpynbna ba wanrah jingbha. U Blei u pynbna ba u ieid ianga ngi haduh katta katta bad u la phah ia U Jisu ban wan siewspah iangi. U Blei u la phah ia ki angel ban pynbna ia ka khubor jong ka jingkmen. Ngi kum ki khun kyntang jong U Blei ngi dei ban long ki nongpynbna ne ki nongpynphriang ia ka khubor babha U Blei bad pynkynmaw ba U Blei u ieid eh iangi. Ngi dei ban long ki briew ba kiwei kin lah ban iohi ia U Jisu baim ha ngi.

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jinglen lade.

Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jinglen lade. Ka Maria ka la len ialade da ka ba ong ‘Hakhmieh nga long ka shakri jong U Trai, ai kan urlong ha nga katkum ba phi ong’ (Lk 1: 38). Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por ba ngin bret lut ia ka jinglong shimet ne ka jingkhwan bad ngi dei ban pyrkhat ia ka jingbha jong baroh. Ka Maria ka la aiti kylluid mynsiem ialade ha ba U Blei u wan long briew hangne ha sla pyrthei ym ialade shimet hynrei ban siewsphah ia ka pyrthei baroh kawei. Lada ngi aiti kylluid mynsiem ialade na ka bynta ki kam U Blei bad ki kam lehbha ia ki parabriew ngin sa ioh ki jingkyrkhu na U Blei.

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jingkmen.

Haba ka Maria ka la leit jngoh ia ka Elizabeth, Ka Elizabeth ka la ong, ‘U khunlung ha kpoh jongnga u la ryngkoh da ka jingkmen’ (Lk 1:44). Ki Angel ki la rwai ‘Burom h’U Blei sha jrong’ (Lk 2: 14) bad ka Anna ka la iaroh ia U Blei tang shu iohi ia U Jisu (Lk 2:38). Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por ba U Blei u wan ban pynkmen ia ngi. Ka dei ka por ba ngi kmen namar U Blei u la kyrkhu iangi lyngba ki briew bad ka mariang. Ngi ruh ha kane ka aiom Kristmas ngi dei ban long ki atiar ban wanrah jingkmen ha ka jingim ki parabriew. Ka jingiaieid, jingiamap, ka jingleit jngoh ia ki ba duk ba toi, ki briew ha ki iing sah tymmen ne leit kynduh ia ki khynnah ba khunswet khun rangli bad kine ki jingleh bha jongngi kin sa wanrah jingkmen iangi. Ka jingpynkmen jongngi ia kiwei ka long ka jingpynkmen jongngi ia U Jisu bad ialade hi.

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por jong ka jingkyrmen.

Ka jingkha ia U Jisu ka wanrah jingkyrmen ia baroh ki briew khamtam lei lei ia ki jait bynriew Ju ba ap khmieh ia ka jingwan U Messaiah. Ki riewstad na ri mihngi ki la kylli da ka jingkyrmen na U Herod, ‘Hango la kha ia i khyllung i ban long U Syiem ki Ju? (Mt 2: 2). U angel u la ong ha ki nongap langbrot, ‘wat sheptieng namar nga wanrah ka khubor ba bha’ (Lk 2: 10). Ka por Kristmas ka ai mynsiem ia ngi ba ngim dei ban duh jingkyrmen ha ka jingim jongngi. Ngi dei ban long ki briew ba trei shitom bad ba shaniah tylli tyllan ha U Blei bad U Blei un sa btin lynti iangi. Ngi ruh kum U Jisu u ba wanrah jingkyrmen ngi dei ban long ki ba ai jingkyrmen ia kiwei. Ki briew ba dap jingkyrmen ha lade ki lah ban ai jingkyrmen ia kiwei.

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por ba ka kam ka kren khamjam ban ia ka ktien.

U Ignatius bakhuid na Loyola u la long, ‘ka jingieid ka dei ban kham pynpaw ialade da ki kam ba ym tang da ki ktien’. Ka por Kristmas ka dei ka por ba U Blei u pynpaw ia ka jignieid jong U iangi ym tang da ka ktien hynrei da kaba phah iala U jong U Khun U Jisu Krist. Ngi ki briew ngi dei ba bud ia ki nuksa U Blei. Ngi dei ban  kloi ban iarap ia ki ba lanot bad ngi dei ban long ki briew kiba kylluid mynsiem ban noh shynniang na ka bynta ka jingbha ka imlang sah lang jongngi. Ki briew ba kylluid mynsiem ia kiwei kin sa ioh jingkyrkhu shiphew shah na U Blei.

Ka Kristmas ka dei ka por jongka jingpynbna, jinglen lade, jingkmen, jingkyrmen bad ka por jong ka jingieid da ki kam. Lada ngi kwah ban ba U Jisu yn wan shong ha ngi shimet shimet ne ha ka iing ka sem jongngi ngi dei ban long ki ba la khreh. Ngi dei ban ban im ka jingim ba kiwei ki lah ban iohi ia U Jisu ba im ha ka jingim jongngi. Lada ngi im kum U Jisu kane ka pyrthei kan sa long ka pyrthei ba dap jingkmen, jingkyrmen, jingieid bad jingiamap. Ai ba U Jisu yn pyrsad ia ka jingim jong U ha ngi khnang ba ngi lah ban im bha ha kane ka pyrthei. Kristmas Basuk bad snem Thymmai Bakmen iaphi baroh.

Published in Mawphor on 24/12/2014

Link: http://mawphor.com/more?category=articles&id=727