SHILLONG: Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, showered praises for the sacred groves, monoliths, and heritage village of Mawphlang.
Mathou, who is on his maiden visit to Meghalaya, on Friday, visited the sacred groves, monoliths, and heritage village of Mawphlang.
The Ambassador trekked for more than 3 kms and visited Mawphlang Sacred Grove, where he was guided by the head of Lyngdoh clan of Hima Mawphlang, Tambor Lyngdoh Mawphlang.
The French diplomat showed keen interest in learning the ethnographic (flora) composition of the sacred grove.
The clan head explained that the Mawphlang sacred grove is sanctified by deities who are the custodians who safeguard the forests, and immoral activities are not allowed to be carried out.
The French diplomat was shown that the sacred groves also consist of ceremonial sites where rituals were carried out by ancient Khasi kings and the practice continues till date particularly on special occasions.
The Sacred Groves have also attracted researchers, who come to explore and study the unique ecosystem.
“I had the pleasure to visit the sacred forests. We have to learn a lot from you,” Mathou said, adding that Mawphlang can be the best model for protection of the environment and biodiversity.
The Mawphlang Sacred Groves have been revered and protected by the Khasi community for centuries, offering a unique glimpse into the harmonious relationship with the environment and the natural world.
The Meghalaya government has implemented multiple initiatives in Mawphlang like development of heritage village, tourism infrastructures and organising Monolith Festival.
Ambassador Mathou also visited the Mawphlang Dam accompanied by Public Health Engineering (PHE) officials, who informed him how Meghalaya’s rural water supply implementation has reached 77.15 per cent in household connectivity.
