The third edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The event aims to showcase the rich arts, crafts and culture of Meghalaya’s three tribes— Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo. It also commemorated the observation of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas.
Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh and Head of India for the Welsh Government Mitchell Theaker were also present during the opening function held at U Soso Tham Auditorium here.
The chief minister in his inaugural address spoke on the importance of culture. He said “Culture has a lot of power and potential as it connects us to our roots, our past, and our unique identity and distinguishes us from the crowd. As a form of soft power, we are trying as a government to harness this potential and release it for constructive purposes.”
The chief minister further said that the government has envisioned a road map to inspire the younger generation to be proud of the culture and the diversity of the state.
He informed that the government has tailored programmes that promote culture, different forms of art, music, literature and ancient knowledge and wisdom.
“We want our people to be proud of our culture, customs and language,” Sangma added.
He lauded the arts and culture department for taking the initiative to facelift the Captain Williamson Sangma Museum, and encouraged the department to use technology for better immersive experience on the different facets and lives of the people of the state.
“Our events and festivals celebrate the richness of the state,” he emphasised. He also urged the education department to make it mandatory for education institutes to visit the museum and learn about the rich heritage and diversity of our state.
Talking about the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship program, he said that 50 scholars have been shortlisted, who are already documenting different topics of relevance on people and culture of the state.
“Our identity is our culture, our pride, it is imperative that we showcase and conserve the wisdom of our forefathers in different fields, and take it to global prominence,” Sangma added.
“The power of culture has the power to connect us with other cultures from around the globe and the convergence of all these aspects would bring and foster the further growth of tourism in the State,” he added.
During the event, the official web portal of the arts and craft village was launched and awards and recognition were announced to achievers in different categories.
In Literary the award was given to Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih and Janice Pariat, Kyntiewbor War for Tribal Museum, Dasumarlin Majaw and D Kharbuli (Tribal Entrepreneurship), Gilford Pde (Woodcraft), Pradip Kurbah, Dominic Sangma and Simi Kongthiang (Film making), Angelia Marwein (Fashion and lifestyle), Steve Jyrwa, the winner of Dance India Dance for performing arts, Mei Ramew Café (Indigenous cuisine) and Ricky Kynter and Bandap Dewkhaid (Bamboo Craft).
Also, “A Synthesis of Rhythm & Art”, a book that documents the cultural dances of Meghalaya was launched. The book is an initiative by Sankardev College, Shillong in collaboration with the Department of Arts & Culture.
Another book – “U Spor na Thwei Pyrkhat” by Banjop Leo Gregory Kharmalki and KOT (Khasi Old Testament) by Raphael Warjri were launched.
