Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced the expansion of the Chief Minister’s Research Grant to support 75 scholars this year, saying the initiative aims to deepen academic exploration of the history, identity and cultural heritage of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes.
Speaking on Day 2 of the Shillong Literary Festival 2025, Sangma said the festival had grown from a modest gathering into a major platform for writers, thinkers and artists from across the country.
He proposed introducing a writing competition in future editions, stressing that literature should become an integral part of Meghalaya’s culture and education ecosystem.
The chief minister also highlighted the State’s rising cultural economy, noting an estimated return of Rs. 133 crore generated through recent investments in arts and creative sectors.
He reiterated his aspiration to position Shillong as India’s next leading arts and literary capital, backed by continued government support for local talent and institutions.
Sangma shared that a specialised research team was already conducting an extensive study on Meghalaya’s three major tribes.
He further announced a major redevelopment plan for Ward’s Lake, with Rs. 20 crore sanctioned and an additional Rs. 30 crore expected soon.
The makeover will include laser light installations narrating the State’s history and permanent infrastructure for year-round cultural programming.
Day 2 of the festival witnessed multiple book launches, including River Traveller – Journeys of the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra from Tibet to the Bay of Bengal; Wad ia ka malade (Khasi); European Writing in the Khasi Hills; BSF and Meghalaya – Through the Lens of a Border Man; and From Isolation to Integration: Geopolitics of India’s Northeast.
A discussion titled Life Beyond the Metro featuring actors Vinay Pathak and Rajat Kapoor along with filmmaker Dominic Sangma explored the evolving landscape of independent cinema.
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Pathak and Kapoor spoke about challenges facing audiences for non-mainstream films, while Sangma reflected on oral storytelling influences and confirmed he is working on the third part of his trilogy.
Poets from Garo Hills — Prince S.R. Marak, Sengsime A. Sangma, Jakmatchi M. Sangma, Rhinkle Mrong and Fivebilson R. Marak — captivated audiences with a dedicated poetry session.
Mountaineer Jamling Norgay shared concerns over overcrowding on Mt Everest while tracing the legacy of the Tenzing-Hillary ascent in The Everest Challenge.
Prominent journalist and editor Patricia Mukhim discussed her new book From Isolation to Integration, emphasising that infrastructure alone cannot ensure deeper national integration of the Northeast.
The day wrapped up with sessions on oral traditions, wartime reporting, marginalised narratives, the struggles of second novels and an engaging conversation with Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka.
