Shillong, Jun, 09: The “Rhyme of the 7Rs” Waste Fair 2025, organised by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and 98.3 Big FM, brought colour, creativity, and climate consciousness to the State Convention Centre, Shillong.
Graced by Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, as Chief Guest, and other dignitaries including Shri R. Nainamalai (Chairman, MSPCB), Shri R.S. Gill (PCCF & HoFF), and Shri P. Bakshi (Commissioner & Secretary, Forest & Environment Dept.), the event drew a large crowd that included school students, activists, entrepreneurs and local citizens.
A key highlight was the call to end plastic pollution and promote eco-friendly alternatives, with changemakers and entrepreneurs showcasing sustainable innovations. The Waste to Art Exhibition, Symposium, and School Competitions spotlighted creative solutions and local talent. Prizes were also awarded to outstanding entries in the Waste to Art Competition, recognising innovation and sustainability in design. St Anthony’s School took home the awards for Best Functional Product & Most Sustainable Design, while Shillong Pubic School won Most Creative Idea. The title of Best Team Collaboration went to Mayfair School. The awards celebrated not only artistic talent but also the practical and eco-conscious thinking of young minds committed to a greener future.
The Trashion Show & Cosplay Parade, featuring stunning waste-based designs by Mohor and the Shillong Cosplay Community, was a standout moment of the event. Models and cosplayers strutted down the runway in outfits crafted entirely from discarded materials reimagined into high-fashion statements and iconic characters. The creativity and craftsmanship on display drew cheers, applause, and admiration from the crowd, especially the young students who were inspired to see how waste could be turned into wearable art. The event concluded with a live eco themed music concert by the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP).
This fair was the finale of a month-long campaign of roadshows, radio & social media outreach, urging the public to rethink and reduce waste through the lens of the 7Rs.
