Shillong, Nov 17: Meghalaya is well known for its many unique features, to name a few, it is well praised for its scenic beauty, for housing the wettest place on earth, for its matrilineal system and others. The unique features can be observed both in its natural environment and the cultural fabric of the people of Meghalaya. To add to this list is the cave systems that Meghalaya is blessed with. The recent geologic time scale named the Meghalayan Age has its origins in a cave in Meghalaya.

To celebrate, commemorate and understand the importance of the natural and cultural wealth of Meghalaya as well as celebrate the 50th anniversary of Meghalaya’s statehood, the Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems and the Department of Tourism and Travel Management of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) organised a programme entitled ‘Natural and Cultural Heritage of Meghalaya – Seminar and Release of Publications’ on Tuesday at the MLCU campus at Nongrah, Shillong.

The chief guest former Chairman of UPSC, Dr David R Syiemlieh, released the magnificent book entitled ‘Cave Pearls of Meghalaya – Volume 3’ edited by Thomas Arbenz. Thomas Arbenz was present virtually for the programme.Meghalaya Tourism department Commissioner and Secretary, Dr D Vijay Kumar, released the posters on the Meghalayan Age prepared by Dr Glenn C Kharkongor. The posters have been prepared separately for both adults and children. The posters with simple language, pictures and graphs enable an easy understanding of the subject.

Vice Chancellor of MLCU Dr TK Kharbamon released a novel entitled ‘The Pangs of Love’ written by Dr Brian D Kharpran Daly. The novel is set in a caving context.

A presentation on caving expeditions was passionately given by Dr Brian D Kharpran Daly which displayed the rich natural beauty of caves in our state. Speleology, which is the study of caves, does not just end with the adventure of entering a cave but embodies many other important aspects as well. One such importance of speleology is the flora and fauna of caves which are yet to be completely documented in Meghalaya. The release of the publications was followed by a seminar. Dr David R Syiemlieh gave a presentation on Iron Smelting among the Khasis. This was followed by Dr Marco Mitri’s carbon dating of archaeological specimens from megalithic sites in Meghalaya, another interesting facet of our culture in Meghalaya. The last presentation, by Dr Glenn C Kharkongor was on the Meghalayan Age.