Ampati (Meghalaya): The Meghalaya Koch Students’ Union (MKSU) organised the fourth edition of the Koch Youth Festival 2025 at Kuligaon in South West Garo Hills district, bringing together youths, students, community leaders and cultural practitioners to deliberate on Koch identity, language preservation and developmental challenges.
Held over two days on December 20 and 21 under the theme “Strengthening Our Roots, Our Rhythm and Our Future”, the festival concluded with an open session presided over by MKSU president Kandarpa Koch.
The session was attended by Mahendraganj MLA and Adviser to the Excise Department, Sanjay A. Sangma, as chief guest, and Sanjay Koch, MDC of Betasing and chairman of the Forest and Environment Department of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, as guest of honour.
During the concluding session, the MKSU leadership submitted a memorandum seeking minor irrigation facilities for Kuligaon, repair of damaged PWD roads, grant-in-aid along with land for an office-cum-library for MKSU, and financial support for an office-cum-library for the Patijora Zonal Committee of the Meghalaya Koch Association.
The chief guest assured the gathering that efforts would be made to address the demands raised.
The festival began on December 20 with the hoisting of the MKSU flag by Kandarpa Koch, followed by a social awareness session presided over by Bijoy Koch, joint secretary of MKSU.
Former MKA general secretary Kamaleswar Koch spoke on the importance of unity and inclusiveness within the community, while Nanda Koch, MSW, delivered a presentation on sustainable livelihood development.
A literature, arts and cultural session was later held under the chairmanship of Urdhav Koch, president of the MKSU Tura branch.
Nirmal Koch, president of Koch Krorang Mathop, served as resource person and spoke on the Pictorial Glossary project under the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore, outlining progress in documenting the Koch language through a dictionary.
Vibeka Koch, vice president of Koch Krorang Mathop, stressed the need to preserve the original Koch language, warning that excessive dependence on assimilated forms could dilute cultural identity.
The session was attended by senior members of Koch Krorang Mathop, including general secretary Dhiras Banai and joint secretary Vedvyas Koch.
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour 30 veteran Koch singers and artists for their contribution to preserving and promoting Koch cultural heritage.
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The day concluded with a traditional cultural night featuring performances of both traditional and contemporary Koch music.
On December 21, a spiritual, student and youth session was organised under the chairmanship of Probhakar Koch, with a welcome address by MKSU general secretary Nabo Koch. Resource persons included Pitabas Ritatmananda Maharaj of Ramakrishna Mission, Zekabari; Debojit Koch, officer of the Disaster Management Department, South West Garo Hills; and Padma Koch, education secretary of the MKA.
Short addresses were also delivered by Urdhav Koch, Prolop Koch and Boby Koch of the MKSU.
The festival concluded with a cultural night-cum-variety show celebrating Koch traditions, youth participation and community unity.
Organising secretary Dipu Koch delivered the vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of the two-day event.
