Exactly four years ago, on June 14, 2018, Meghalaya became part of the Earth’s geological history with the coining of the ‘Meghalayan Age’ to describe the current slice of time we occupy.
This put Meghalaya on the world map, especially in terms of its unique geological features and to celebrate and commemorate this, a seminar on ‘The Meghalayan Age: Our Unique Geodiversity, Biodiversity and Cultural Assets’ was organized by the Department of Tourism and Travel Management and the Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU).
This seminar saw the participation of eminent personalities including, founder-secretary of the Meghalaya Adventurers Association, Brian Daly Kharpran; senior geologist from the Geological Survey of India Bashisha Iangrai; Marco Mitri, an Associate Professor at Union Christian College; nature photographer Henry Nongrum; author Ian Lyngdoh; and artist Careen J Langstieh, who deliberated and brought focus on the distinct aspects of our state.
The seminar was organized with the objective of recognizing and appreciating the unique geodiversity and biodiversity of Meghalaya and to ascertain the integrated approach to ecotourism and sustainable tourism in geodiversity, biodiversity and culture.
The chief guest on the occasion, TTC Marak, chairman of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, in his address highlighted the endemic vegetation in the North Eastern region and shared facts about traditional technologies in producing high calorific energy bricks. He also stressed on the need to balance conservation and development and encouraged the students to develop the spirit of inquiry.
MLCU Chancellor, Glenn C Kharkongor, gave a presentation on the geology and the geodynamics of the region to create a clear perspective for addressing the question of evolution of the Shillong Plateau.
Kharpran brought to light the richness of Meghalaya’s caves through his presentation on ‘Caves – a Scientific Resource’, while Iangrai shared her experience and knowledge on ‘Fossils of Meghalaya’ and her mission to explore and unearth more dinosaur bones from Meghalaya particularly in the South West Khasi Hills.
Mitri shared his findings about the ‘Impacts of prehistoric iron smelting and manufacturing on the dynamics of vegetation in Khasi Hills of Meghalaya’ and Nongrum shared a presentation on ‘Biodiversity Photography of the Himalayan Range’. Most of his photographs, which were taken in the Himalayan region, were also exhibited during the programme.
The event also included a book sale of books published by the university and books authored by the speakers of today’s events.
