Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Tri Hills Ensemble’ in the presence of Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh and Head of India for the Welsh Government, Mitchell Theaker, at U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong.
The third edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble showcased the rich arts, crafts and culture of Meghalaya’s three tribes— Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo. It also commemorated the observation of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas.
During the inauguration of the event, CM Conrad Sangma said, “The festival is a celebration of our culture, our society, and our people. Through this festival, we aim to showcase the rich diversity and cultural identity of our people.”
Talking about the importance of culture, the chief minister said, “Culture has a lot of power and potential as it connects us to our roots, our past, our unique identity and distinguishes us from the crowd. As a form of soft power, we are trying to harness this potential and release it for constructive purposes.”
The chief minister further said that the state government has envisioned a road map to inspire the younger generation to be proud of the culture and the diversity of the state.
He informed that the government has tailored programmes that promote culture, different forms of art, music, literature, and ancient knowledge and wisdom.
“We want our people to be proud of our culture, customs and language,” he added.
He lauded the Arts and Culture Department for taking the initiative to facelift the Captain Williamson Sangma Museum and encouraged the department to use technology for a better immersive experience on the different facets and lives of the people of the state. “Our events and festivals celebrate the richness of the state,” he emphasized.
He also urged the Department of Education to make it mandatory for education institutes to visit the museum and learn about the rich heritage and diversity of the state.
Talking about the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship program, he said that 50 scholars have been shortlisted, who are already documenting different relevant topics on the people and culture of the state. “Our identity is our culture, our pride. It is imperative that we showcase and conserve the wisdom of our forefathers in different fields, and take it to global prominence.”
“Culture has the power to connect us with other cultures from around the globe and the convergence of all these aspects would bring and foster the further growth of tourism in the state,” he added.
During the event, the official web portal of the Arts and Craft Village was launched.
Besides, a book titled “A Synthesis of Rhythm & Art” that documents the cultural dances of Meghalaya was launched.
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The book is an initiative by Sankardev College, Shillong in collaboration with the Department of Arts & Culture.
Another book —“U Spor na Thwei Pyrkhat”— by Banjop Leo Gregory Kharmalki and KOT (Khasi Old Testament) by Raphael Warjri were also launched.
