We want our people to be proud of our culture, customs and language: Conrad Sangma
Shillong, Nov 21: The Tri Hills Ensemble to showcase rich arts, crafts and culture of the three major tribes – Khasi, Jaintia and Garo – commenced on Thursday at U Soso Tham Auditorium here with fanfare and distribution of awards to achievers in various fields.
Inaugurating the festival, which also commemorated observation of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said his government is making efforts to harness the state’s cultural potentials for constructive purpose and build a “soft power”.
“Through this festival, we aim to showcase the rich diversity and cultural identity of our people,” said the chief minister who was accompanied by culture minister Paul Lyngdoh and Head of India for Welsh Government, Mitchell Theaker.
To inspire younger generation to be proud of their culture and diversity, he said the government had 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.
Pointing out that culture is highly instrumental in making global connections, he said convergence of all these aspects would foster the growth of tourism in the State,” he added.
Lauding the Culture department for taking the initiative to facelift the Captain Williamson Sangma Museum, he urged the Education department to make it mandatory for education institutes to visit the museum and learn about rich heritage and diversity of Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that 50 scholars were already shortlisted for the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship Programme.
‘A Synthesis of Rhythm & Art’, a book on cultural dances of Meghalaya, was also launched on the occasion.
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.
As part of the programme, the official web portal of the Arts and Craft Village was launched and awards 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
