SHILLONG, Nov 10 - A 101-year-old traditional healer was felicitated by a youth organisation of South West Khasi Hills for his contribution towards traditional system of medicine, which has benefited a large number of people in rural areas.
Stianly �awphniaw, a resident of Ngunraw, was felicitated by the Thai� Ban Kyntiew Youth & Social Welfare Organisation (TBKY&SWO). He has been for practising traditional healing since 1970 and cured several people suffering from different types of illnesses.
�awphniaw is known for treating fractures, dog and snake bites, etc.
The traditional system of medicine in the Khasi Jaintia Hills has earned accolades all over India and experienced traditional healers are thriving across Meghalaya.
Research has shown that about 75 per cent of the rural people depend on this form of treatment for different reasons.
One reason is the wealth of knowledge about medicinal herbs and healing methods possessed by the traditional healers of the State, which was passed to them by the previous generations while financial constraint is another reason.
The felicitation function was attended by the Syiem of Hima Maharam Niandro Syiemiong as the chief guest besides assistant headmaster of Turnia Shining Secondary School, members of TBKY&SWO and villagers.
