Shillong, November 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated the Tri Hills Ensemble in presence of Arts and Culture Minister, Paul Lyngdoh and Head of India for the Welsh Government, Mitchell Theaker at U Soso Tham Auditorium 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.
“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,” the chief minister said, in his inaugural remark.
Talking on 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 as a Government to harness this potential and release it for constructive purposes.”
The chief minister further said that the government has envisioned a road map to inspire 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 better immersive experience on the different facet 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 our state.
Talking about the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship program, he said that 50 scholars have been shortlisted, who are already documenting different topics of relevance on 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 field, and take it to global prominence.”
“The power of 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 and award and recognition were announced to achievers in different categories.
Literary: Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih & Janice Pariat
Tribal Museum: Kyntiewbor War
Tribal Entrepreneurship: Dasumarlin Majaw and D Kharbuli
Woodcraft: Gilford Pde
Film Making: Pradip Kurbah, Dominic Sangma and Simi Kongthiang
Fashion and lifestyle: Angelia Marwein
Performing arts: Steve Jyrwa, winner Dance India Dance
Indigenous cuisine: Mei Ramew Café
Bamboo Craft: Ricky Kynter and Bandap Dewkhaid Shillong Bamboo
Also, “A Synthesis of Rhythm & Art”, a book that documents the cultural dances of Meghalaya was launched. The book is an initiative by Sankardev College, Shillong in collaboration with 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 launched.