Shillong, Nov 21: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced the expansion of the Chief Minister’s Research Grant to support 75 scholars this year, saying the initiative would strengthen research on the roots, history and culture of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes.
Speaking on Day 2 of the Shillong Literary Festival 2025, Sangma said the event had grown from a small gathering into a major platform for literature, ideas and creative exchange.
“Next time, we should have a writing competition. Meghalaya should become a place where writing becomes part of our system, our culture,” he said.
The CM highlighted an estimated economic return of Rs 133 crore from recent cultural investments and reaffirmed his vision of positioning Shillong as India’s next arts and literary capital.
He also said a dedicated team was already conducting an in-depth study on the three major tribes of the state.
Sangma informed that Ward’s Lake would undergo a major transformation, with Rs 20 crore sanctioned and an additional Rs 30 crore expected.
The upgrades will include laser light installations depicting Meghalaya’s history and permanent arenas for year-round cultural events.
