Shillong, Nov 2: The Departments of Social Work and Khasi from Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), Shillong Campus, in collaboration with the Department of Music, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), successfully inaugurated the Raibah Living Library on November 1 at Raibah village, South West Khasi Hills.
The theme ‘A Step in Futurity’ reflected the initiative’s forward-looking vision of reimagining libraries as living, breathing spaces of shared stories, knowledge and community experience.
The formal inauguration was led by representatives from Green Hub, in the presence of schoolchildren, faculty, guests and community members. The first storytelling session featured an oral history presentation by Meirit Wissila Snaitang and Esbilin Snaitang, sharing a powerful narrative on Sngap Sing Syiem, a legendary Khasi freedom fighter.
The programme included a welcome address by the Rangbah Shnong, Pynshailang Dohling, and a felicitation ceremony by Raibah Upper Primary School students. A traditional Langai performance by Snohlang Sanglein and group and a lively sequence of songs and performances by students from the Raibah Upper Primary and Tlongpleng Schools, added to the vibrant atmosphere.
The afternoon segment featured the screening of a short documentary film on the journey leading to the inauguration of the Raibah Living Library and the TALES initiative. Expert invitees offered insights on community knowledge, participatory pedagogy, and sustainability. A significant moment of the event was the formal handover of the agreement by the Raibah Living Library Team to the Raibah Living Library Committee.
The day concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Lamkupar Sanglein, Secretary of the Raibah Living Library, followed by an address by Randolph V Langstieh, a faculty member in the Department of Social Work, CWSSU. The celebrations culminated in a community feast, symbolizing unity and shared purpose, and ended on a musical note with performances by the Department of Music, MLCU and artist Chosterfield Khongwir.
