Shillong, Sep 30: The Riti Academy of Visual Arts celebrated its 35th Anniversary (Coral Jubilee) with the Annual Riti Academy Awards 2026 at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday.
Governor C.H. Vijayashankar lauded the Academy for recognising and nurturing local creative talent and stressed the importance of integrating youth into cultural programmes.
Memorial awards named after cultural icons were presented by the Governor. The Prithpal Singh Sehdave ‘Ladi’ Memorial Award for Visual Arts went to Lalhming Mawii of Mizoram, the Crystal Gayle Memorial Award for Music to Royalborn Suting, the Sumar Sing Sawian Memorial Award for Performing Arts to Janai Nongkynrih, the S. Quotient Sumer Memorial Award for Media to Aaron Lyngdoh and the Rana Kharkongor Memorial Award for Music to Shibor Mawkon of Pynter Orchestra.
Principal Secretary Arts and Culture F.R. Kharkongor commended the Academy for executing major public artworks in Meghalaya, including the relief sculpture mural at the Information Technology Park, New Shillong.
Advisor of the Academy, R.V. Warjri highlighted its monumental sculptures commemorating Anglo-Khasi War heroes Tirot Sing Syiem, Bormanik Syiem and Sngap Sing Syiem, including the tallest 24-feet statue in the state.
