Skip to content Skip to navigation

Epedemic skin disease attacks Mahendraganj area of Garo Hills

While mainland India prepares for its 5 trillion dollar economy, in the remote areas of Mahendraganj, in the Northeastern state of Meghalaya, we find village Communities which are almost untouched by urban life. In Mahendraganj a larger number of people are suffering from skin diseases that affect entire households.

On 16th August 2019, I came to know about this problem because few of the girls working in our Apparel making Production Centre at Mahendraganj were suffering from skin infection. When asked about it, they reported that the problem is very huge and almost everyone in the villages is suffering from this problem. Then I visited three villages and found that large number of families are affected. I took photographs of villagers suffering from skin infection. Most family members are affected and in each family: men, women, children, lactating mothers, all are affected. These are simple village folk and they don't even know whom to approach for help. They simply suffer in silence or use some creams etc prescribed by the medical shops, who have no idea about the disease. In such backward areas, the administration needs to be proactive, which doesn't appear to be the case. The situation is simply alarming. The photographs take by me are uploaded.

These rural areas of India Bangladesh border are in need of medical care and require proper tools to take action for various health issues. Modern medical care is a luxury that few can afford in this area. Govt/ NGO agencies need to be active here.

Lack of awareness of hygiene and education has had its impact on the young and old. It has gotten to the point where it has effected large population of Mahendraganj. Poor education has kept their opportunities low. These people need an equal opportunity to get the help they need, especially in times of urgency.

The lack of hygiene among rural communities has led to a high mortality rate in these areas. There is an urgent need for help and support to these people. They need proper medical facilities and awareness for hygiene. Please help them to recover from skin infection. We are looking for anyone who can donate, help and get involved to change the lives of the people in Mahendraganj.

Please contact
VASU (Voluntary Association for Social Upliftment)
Phone: +91 9435147695 or email us at ngo.vasu@gmail.com
ShabnamMohanRaj
CEO, VASU
 

https://www.facebook.com/vasu.ngo.1

Add new comment

Other Contents by Author

“Zubeen Garg was not just a singer — he was a phenomenon. A god in human form for millions,” said Manoj Kumar Das, management professional and commentator from Assam, in a heartfelt conversation reflecting on the life and legacy of the late music legend. Das, who had known Zubeen for more than two decades, recalled his early memories vividly. “He was just a simple, soft-spoken boy when I first met him — full of restless energy, always humming tunes. He could pick up any instrument, any rhythm, and turn it into something magical. But what stood out most was his humility. Despite his fame, Zubeen never carried an ego. He could be sitting on the ground with villagers one day and on stage...
Along with the rest of Assam, the people of Nazira observed Kati Bihu today with devotion and traditional fervor. The festival, which marks a crucial phase in the agricultural calendar, was celebrated with prayers for a prosperous harvest and protection from natural calamities. As the sun set, households across Nazira lit earthen lamps (chakis) before Tulsi plants and in the paddy fields, symbolizing hope and reverence for nature’s bounty. The flickering lights illuminated the night, reflecting the community’s collective faith in a good harvest season. Also known as Kongali Bihu, Kati Bihu is a more solemn and reflective celebration compared to other Bihus, emphasizing austerity,...
Students from the North-East (excluding Assam) showcased their passion and knowledge for wildlife conservation at the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC) 2025, WWF-India’s flagship wildlife quiz that has been inspiring young minds since 2008. This year’s 18th edition, themed “Incredible Insects”, explored the fascinating world of insects – from butterflies and moths to bees, grasshoppers, mantises, and dragonflies. The challenge, designed for students in grades 6 to 9, combined interactive learning through webinars, informative resources, and a new BioBlitz initiative, encouraging children to connect with nature and understand their role in conserving biodiversity. Over 400,000...
October 14, 2025 - Students from Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti School emerged victorious in the Assam State finale of the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge, defeating competitors from 109 other schools in what organizers called one of the most competitive rounds in the program's 18-year history. The competition, held at Miles Bronson Residential School in Guwahati, saw participation from 220 students representing schools from across the state. Ashwin Anand of Class 9 and Anubhadipta Boruah of Class 8 from the winning school will advance to represent Assam in the zonal round of India's largest wildlife quiz competition. STATEWIDE PARTICIPATION REACHES RECORD LEVELS This year's competition...
As part of the observance of Anna Sewa Din, Smt. Pratibha Meshram,  Co-district Commissioner, Nazira, and Sri Kalyan Jyoti Hazarika, Assistant Director (i/c), Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, conducted an extensive inspection of various Fair Price Shops (FPS) under Nazira Co-district on Day 4 of the programme. The inspection was carried out in the presence of departmental officials with the objective of ensuring the proper and transparent distribution of food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). During the visit, the officials thoroughly verified the stock registers, distribution records, and other related documents maintained by the FPS...
The Rongmei community of Guwahati came together to celebrate its 7th Charuangc Khatni Zawthanh Kariumei 2025 (Cultural and Freshers’ Meet) under the theme “Reaffirming Identity, Shaping Futures” at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre Auditorium on Thursday. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Rongmei residents and freshers from across the city. The celebration was graced by Chief Guest  Chaitali Panmei, IRS (Retd.), former Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, North Eastern Region, and Guest of Honour Rev. T.P. Mordecai, Associate Secretary, EFI North East. Both dignitaries inspired the gathering with their reflections on the importance of cultural identity and...
A devastating accident at the Ennore Thermal Power construction site in Tamil Nadu claimed the lives of nine workers from Assam and nearby regions on Tuesday, after a steel arch collapsed. TANGEDCO Chairman Dr. J. Radhakrishnan confirmed that one worker was critically injured, while over 10 others sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Stanley Government Hospital in North Chennai. BHEL officials have reached the site as rescue operations continue. Police said the exact cause of the collapse is under investigation. Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, six workers died and six others were injured when the roof of a private steel plant collapsed in the...
A standoff between taxi unions from Assam and Meghalaya has disrupted travel for hundreds of tourists at the Jorabat border near Guwahati. The confrontation began when the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) initiated a blockade, preventing Assam-registered taxis from entering Meghalaya. The AKMTTA cited concerns over the livelihoods of local drivers, alleging that the influx of Assam-based taxis was adversely affecting their business. In retaliation, Assam's Motor Parivan Sewakarmi Sanmilita Mancha organized a strike, halting vehicles from Meghalaya at key transit points, including Guwahati Railway Station, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and the...
The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) successfully hosted a two-day national conference on September 15–16 titled “Resilient Futures: Indian Knowledge Systems for Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Action.” In a significant step towards promoting regional languages in higher education, the entire event was conducted in Assamese. The conference was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, where Chief Guest Dr. Hirak Ranjan Das, Innovation Manager, AICTE (NER), emphasized the relevance of indigenous knowledge in shaping sustainable futures. Coordinator Dr. Saswati Bordoloi noted that AICTE-VAANI seeks to revive Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) while giving voice to diverse...
DIMAPUR, September 13: Zigzak Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a rising technology start-up founded by filmmaker and tech enthusiast Mr. Lorence Kachari, is preparing to launch its flagship lifestyle application, Zigzak, next week. The company has described the initiative as a step towards transforming digital convenience in Nagaland, the North East and beyond. The application is designed to function as an all-in-one service platform, bringing together facilities such as food delivery, grocery shopping, rides, medicines, parcel services and home services on a single interface. The development of the app has been undertaken by a team of fifteen engineers and developers based in Hyderabad, under...