The state level celebration of the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride) was enthusiastically and widely participated through a series of activities and events, held in the state capital today.
Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang inaugurated the cultural procession by artists, cultural troops and cultural associations which was followed by the laying of floral tributes at the life size statues of the three Meghalaya freedom fighters.
Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, KHADC Deputy CEM PN Syiem, Arts and Culture Commissioner & Secretary FR Kharkongor, secretaries and directors of various departments and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.
The guests also undertook a walk-through of the open-air museums which depicted the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia kitchens which are the cornerstones of the tribal hearth, and which richly depicted an immersive experience for the visitors on tribal lifestyles and cuisines.
A short video message from Governor Phagu Chauhan and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Birsa Munda were also streamed at the function.
Speaking at the function, Lyngdoh emphasized on the importance of showcasing the state’s unique tribal legacy and heritage, which he said is being increasingly noticed and celebrated even at the national level. He drew the attention of the audience, to the PM’s interest in Meghalaya’s rich textile heritage.
He also underscored the importance of highlighting the state’s culture and heritage so that the state and its culture is not confined to a footnote, but its rich legacy should be amplified and should resonate far and wide through events such as the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the upcoming Tri Hills Ensemble – II.
The Deputy CEM called for more active collaboration between the department and the KHADC in the realm of culture. He also highlighted the role of the district councils as constitutional custodians of culture and heritage.
Earlier Kharkongor in his welcome speech outlined the objectives of the 10 day long programme which will be celebrated through a display of craft, culture cuisine, folklore, folksong, folkdance in the subsequent days culminating in the Tri Hills Ensemble – II on the theme “Stories that matter” on November 24 and 25.
He also announced the names of six art and craft villages Mustoh, Nongkynrih, Ialong, Babadam, Umladkhur, and Wahkhen, which will be awarded on November 24.
He also mentioned that the present celebrations will also act as a platform for enhancing outreach on Viksit Bharat with a focus on beneficiaries-oriented schemes comprising Housing, Health, Social Welfare, and Agri-horti domains.
Various stalls of the respective departments containing IEC materials were also installed.
Other highlights also included musical performances by AROHA Choir on Tirot Sing, winners of the Inter-School traditional singing competition; performance on the harp by MLCU, besides awards and recognition was also given to winning schools, best performing SHGs and VECs, social welfare workers, cooperation workers etc.
