Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated the revamped Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum on the premises of the U Soso Tham Auditorium here.
The museum has been completely redesigned to offer a modern and immersive experience, with state-of-the-art technology including QR-based exhibits and interactive digital displays. The Chief Minister expressed that the initiative is part of a broader vision to celebrate, document, and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage while promoting a sustainable creative economy.
“It’s not just about maintaining our identity and preserving it. The bigger question is how we make it more creative, how we incorporate our cultural heritage and convert it into an economy in itself,” he said.
He announced that the Education Department will issue directions for all students to mandatorily visit the museum, underlining the importance of instilling cultural awareness and appreciation among youth.
To expand outreach, similar museums will be set up in different parts of the state, starting with Tura. Designs are already being considered for new projects in other major district headquarters.
He informed that through the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG), research on various aspects of culture and development has been initiated. He stated that a review of the research has showcased interesting developments, including the development of AI-based translation and phonetic tools for local languages, the rediscovery and documentation of 71 traditional Garo games, and the exploration of archaeological tourism in the Garo Hills, with ancient stone monoliths that may date back to 1200 BC.
“These findings will be compiled into publicly accessible booklets and academic resources, further strengthening cultural literacy in the state,” he said.
Speaking on Meghalaya’s efforts to drive a creative economy by promoting cultural entrepreneurship, he stated that through the PRIME Program, local entrepreneurs are being supported to manufacture high-quality souvenirs and handicrafts.
“Other countries like Vietnam are exporting bamboo-based products; we too have immense potential to develop similar industries rooted in local resources,” he added.
Highlighting the government-run OTT platform, “Hello Meghalaya”, he said that the platform has become a key instrument in documenting and promoting local culture, music, and history through films, documentaries, and digital content. “What we started with Hello Meghalaya has now become a reference point across the country. This platform is giving voice to our culture in a very engaging and creative way,” he said.
Stating that a parish in Sohra is home to a relic of St. Don Bosco – making it one of only a handful of such sites in the world, he said, “The government plans to promote this heritage site through the Tourism Department and explore ways to preserve and present it to visitors.”
Reflecting on his first visit to the museum in 2018, which inspired this transformation, he said, “When I first visited the museum, I was disappointed. Today, I am proud to see how far we have come. This museum is not just a building – it is a living testament to our identity, our creativity, and our future.”
