Mawlai – A team of young computer engineers in Meghalaya developed for the first time a Bible games application in local Khasi language under the direction of a Khasi Salesian Fr Michael Makri.
Two years back in 2014, Fr Makri launched the first ever interactive Khasi Bible Application for android. This year Fr. Makri together with his team at the Don Bosco Media Network Shillong which include computer engineers Aibor Nongkynrih, Mewan Talang, Michael Mawniuh, Evangeline Syiem Malngiang, A.M. Laloo and Bahun Susngi launched Bible games for android in the Khasi language.
The app was officially launched by the Director of Don Bosco Youth Center Shillong, the Vice Provincial and Youth Delegate of Shillong Province Fr. Lyngkot Paul Olphindro in the presence of the Rector of Savio Juniorate Salesian Fr. Jeevan Lakra and hundreds of young people at the Ravalico Hall in Mawlai, 12 November.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Paul acknowledged the contribution of Fr. Makri to the youth specially the Khasi speaking youth. He urged everyone “to be committed in all their endeavors like Fr. Makri.”
Speaking to media persons after the function, Fr. Makri thanked all those who helped him in making this application especially to Aibor Nongkynrih, a college student who is the main creator of the application.
Asked on why a Bible Game? Fr. Makri said “in a media-nized world where information can be shared and enriched; computer games or mobile games serve as an interesting platform to do so.”
Youth and children are constantly on their mobile phones and computer, either playing games or engaged in other activities and most of the time using media for self-destructive activities.
Fr Makri hopes, “this game will definitely draw many of them to some constructive activity.” Media specially the social media are destroying the lives of many youth – parents, teachers, elders have very little control over them. Data available on the media more than good are often contents that are bad because very few are uploading useful content, this app is one of our aims to combat the evil that is there in the media world.
When asked about his feeling after achieving this work, Fr. Makri says, “I feel great, being the first Bible Games in Khasi language and probably the first of its kind in the whole of North East India.”
The app supports 18340 types of android and may be obtained free from Playstore with the title ‘Tip ia u Blei’.