Shillong, Mar 26: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has launched a public campaign pressing the government to establish the Khyndailad Cultural Centre.
According to the group, this would safeguard the region’s historical core, which is at risk of losing its rich indigenous identity.
The campaign began with the distribution of pamphlets across the city. Titled “Save Khyndailad, Save Our Identity – Îm Ka Kyrteng, Sah Ka Nam,” the pamphlet highlights Khyndailad as a vital symbol of Khasi identity, culture, and community life.
The HYC expressed concern regarding the diminishing availability of spaces dedicated to indigenous artists, traditional foods, and local crafts. It warned that if Khyndailad loses its essence, the entire city could lose its cultural memory and heritage.
Demanding that the state government must prioritize the construction of a centre, which is envisioned to feature an open performance arena, permanent stalls for traditional food and crafts, and a heritage gallery that reflects indigenous architectural styles, the HYC said that the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for artists, food vendors, and youth entrepreneurs, all while promoting cultural engagement as a form of economic development.
The pamphlet emphasizes that cultural preservation is not only a civic duty but also a constitutional responsibility of the state government.
The campaign includes demonstrations, public meetings, signature campaigns, and outreach to youths, artists, and concerned citizens. “Without spaces for cultural expression, the indigenous people risk becoming invisible in their own land,” the HYC stated.
