Shillong, Sep 18: The Meghalaya State Bamboo Mission (MSBM) celebrated World Bamboo Day 2026 at IHM, Mawdiangdiang on Thursday, bringing together students, artisans, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
The celebration began with a symbolic bamboo plantation and inauguration of stalls showcasing bamboo products and innovations.
A key highlight was the felicitation of six grassroots bamboo champions – Isabella Pakma, handicraft entrepreneur from West Jaiñtia Hills, Kular Khongjrem, President of Tourism Promoters Trekking Society, Wahkhen, Morningstar Khongthaw, founder of Living Bridge Foundation, representatives of Rajasimla Rongdal A·timbo Community Bamboo Reserve, North Garo Hills, Brithing C Marak and Blastine Sangma, bamboo artisans.
In his opening remarks, MBMA and MBDA Director Aiban Swer spoke on bamboo’s deep connect with Khasi life – from birth to burial – and its continued relevance in construction, household products and clothing.
NEHU Registrar in-charge Prof Lakhon Kma highlighted bamboo’s ecological role in soil conservation, watershed protection and reducing erosion, calling for greater youth awareness.
Grassroots practitioners shared their experiences. Kular Khongjrem spoke on the Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek and sustainable tourism, Isabella Pakma on women-led livelihoods, Padma Shri Hally War on conservation, while speakers from Rajasimla Reserve and Living Bridge Foundation shared insights on community-led conservation and traditional knowledge.
Sessions also covered bamboo value chains, Bamboo Residency Programme, biochar, certification and entrepreneurship under CM-Elevate.
Students from St Anthony’s College, St Edmund’s College, IHM and NEIAH interacted with practitioners.
The programme concluded with a traditional Khasi musical performance by Pateng Band featuring bamboo instruments.
