Project aims at tracing Khasi-Jaintia linkages with Southeast Asia; Launch of project for Garos on Sept 1
Shillong, Aug 18: Meghalaya has embarked on a new cultural journey with the launch of “Ki Dienjat – Revisiting the Roots”, a project aimed at tracing Khasi-Jaintia linkages with Southeast Asia through research, science and the arts.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma unveiled the initiative on Tuesday at Taraghar State Guest House, describing it as a mission with long-term impact for the state’s identity and future generations.
“Congratulate the Arts and Culture department for the launch of Ki Dienjat… for all the hard work that is being put in this very short period to actually give a structure to this entire objective,” Sangma said.
The CM said the idea originated from his late father, former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma, who often spoke about the need for scientific research into the roots of the Garo and Khasi-Jaintia communities.
“The genesis of this entire thought actually started with my leader (L) PA Sangma… he used to keep talking about the fact that there needs to be more research done on the roots of the Garos,” he recalled.
“For me, those were father-son conversations, but also leader-follower conversations. A lot of things I do in governance today, the seeds were sown many years back,” Sangma added.
Calling it one of the government’s most important missions, he said, “When God has given me this chance to lead the state… I felt that this is one of the most important missions that we should have because this will have one of the biggest and long lasting impacts for years and generations and decades to come.”
Sangma said a similar launch for the Garo community will be held in Tura on September 1, coinciding with PA Sangma’s birth anniversary.
The project will cover language, music, architecture, folklore and DNA studies, and will be backed by an outlay of about Rs 20 crore over 18 months — Rs 10 crore each for Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills regions.
He cautioned that the work would need to navigate sensitive legal and sovereign issues.
“We really don’t know where we are heading to be very frank… We will uncover a lot of things as we move along. We have to be carefully treading the path,” he said.
The CM linked ‘Ki Dienjat’ to the state’s broader cultural push over the last 8 years, citing the adoption of a state logo after 54 years, a state anthem, the CM Research Grant for 75 scholars at Rs 3 lakh each, promotion of Ryndia silk, and Rs 7 crore spent to develop infrastructure at the Nongkrem ritual site.
He also highlighted research already underway, including DNA mapping by Andrew Elohim Laloo.
“The DNA mapping is completely different from the tribes that are here. You cannot find it anywhere in the country… If we combine that finding with other aspects of culture… I can’t really think of exciting things that can happen,” Sangma said.
Urging youth participation, he said a portal and social media handles will be launched soon.
“I do hope youngsters especially start connecting… when you give that chance to them to reconnect again and find a way to contribute you will see a lot of passion coming to this movement,” the Chief Minister said.
