While commending on the humanitarian service that the management and staff of SAN-KER has rendered to persons with mental illness, the Governor said that 20 years of selfless service rendered by the institution speaks volume of the strong foundation and a farsighted vision and mission of Dr. S Syiem and his team who have propelled the institution to its present status. While wishing all those who have devoted their lives to the treatment and care of those who suffer from mental illness and who work daily in this valuable and important cause, Mr. Mooshahary called upon every responsible citizens to assist and help the patients in coping with their environment, whether directly or indirectly, because persons with mental illness do better when they have healthy supportive relationships.
While highlighting on child trafficking which is the theme of this year's Souvenir, the Governor said that child trafficking is a most heinous crime and it impacts the mentality of a child leading them to an unstable mind. He added that it not only affects the psyche of the children but leaves them emotionally shattered which in turn leads to listlessness and depression. Therefore he called upon every responsible citizens to work together to address this issue which is prevalent across the globe even in the State of Meghalaya.
Padma Shree Queenie Rynjah, while speaking as the Guest of Honour, congratulated Dr. Syiem for his daring enterprise to venture to such a noble cause and to contribute to the society through selfless service. She lauded the management of staff of SAN-KER for their vision of thoughts to help those who succumb to the evils of substance abuse and others and to transform them into productive members of the family and the society as a whole. Lamenting on the prevalence of child trafficking, she said that it is our duty as citizens to offer help and encourage the people especially the youth to shun evil deeds and be part of a civilized society and she also called upon the people to help in the endeavour of SAN-KER in creating awareness on the ill effects of child trafficking and how to eradicate this menace.
The Managing Trustee, SAN-KER Charitable Trust, in his welcome speech, said that the institution is and continues to remain a place where love and compassion is foremost and where the patient is of prime importance as has been reflected in the institution's motto "- by love, serve one another." He informed the gathering that since humanitarian considerations are foremost, the management realised that it cannot become a commercial organisation and this resulted in the creation of the SAN-KER Charitable Trust recently to manage SAN-KER as a not-for-profit Institution. Dr. Syiem also informed the gathering that for the last 20 years, SAN-KER has provided treatment to about 8000 in-patients where during the last two years alone, that is ending 2009, there are 426 in-patients and out of this 246 are psychiatric patients and 180 are patients suffering from substance abuse disorders. Till ending 2009, there are 15600 out-patients and 34 who attended the day care facility.
Later, a souvenir on the theme "Child Trafficking" was released by the Governor. Earlier, a thanksgiving function was held wherein Rev. Dr. J F Jyrwa, Senior Executive Secretary, Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly led the gathering in prayer and after the end of the function, Most Rev. Dominic Jala, Archbishop Shillong Archdiocese offered the benediction.
In recognition to their selfless and noble service, the Governor also presented the awards to staff who have work with the institution for more than 10 years. A song presented by the inmates of the institution was the other highlight of the day .