A lecture on the “Hill State Movement and the Emergence of Meghalaya” was today held for students and teachers of Shillong College.
The programme was organised by the Department of History of the college as it is relevant for the understanding of the history of the State which also forms part of the course of study. It was also felt that the topic is most appropriate as the State of Meghalaya is commemorating its fifty years of Statehood in 2022.
Union Christian College, Department of History, Prof A. Banshan Syiem Kharkongor was the guest lecturer of the day. He has done a comprehensive study on the area and has a number of publications to his credit. His most important work is his book, “The Hill State Movement in Meghalaya: A Socio-Historical Narrative,” which was published by the State Arts and Culture Department in commemoration of its 50 years of Statehood.
Kharkongor stressed on the factors leading to the Hill State Movement, how it transitioned from a Movement that was confined to the political elite and progressed to a mass social movement in its later stages. It also saw the participation of the youth as well as women.
An interesting point of note is that songs, slogans and poems became an integral part of mass demonstrations in the Hill State Movement. They were instrumental in galvanising and whipping up the passion of the masses.
The lecture brought to light a number of lesser-known facts and information about the State of Meghalaya and its history.
Shillong College principal, E. Kharkongor, in her speech stressed upon the fact that the youth of today are faced with many challenges due to changes in all aspects of society. She encouraged the students to prepare themselves for such challenges as they will determine the future of the State and the Nation.
