Shillong, May 22: Ribahun Umsong — a tea entrepreneur from Meghalaya — is sharing a story steeped in tradition, innovation, and community empowerment at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Representing India at the Bharat Pavilion, Ribahun is showcasing her signature tea brand, Urlong, which means “dreams come true” in the Khasi language.
“It’s more than just a tea label,” she says. “Urlong is a testament to the transformative journey of Mawlyngot village — from struggle to self-reliance.”
Once grappling with social challenges, Mawlyngot — located about 43 km from Shillong — has reinvented itself through community-led tea cultivation.
Ribahun, CEO of Longsha Private Limited, is presenting teas like Rocky Mountain Black, Green Ur, White and many more organically grown and hand-crafted in Mawlyngot. These teas capture the essence of the East Khasi Hills, offering a sip of Meghalaya’s rich heritage.
“At Expo 2025, it’s not just about showcasing tea,” says a state government official. “It’s about telling a powerful story of resilience, cultural pride, and sustainable development. Ribahun’s presence here, supported by the Government of Meghalaya, highlights the state’s commitment to promoting indigenous enterprises on global platforms.”
Urlong offers a range of products that reflect the unique terroir of Meghalaya. These teas are now available on platforms like IndiaMART, connecting tea enthusiasts worldwide with the soul of the Khasi Hills.
When asked about the response from visitors at the expo, Ribahun smiles.
“It’s still early, but the feedback during the tasting sessions has been encouraging. People seem to genuinely like the teas,” she says.
The Indian Embassy in Tokyo also posted on X:
“The traditional tea ceremony of Meghalaya at the India Pavilion continues to captivate Japanese visitors — an authentic tasting experience featuring the state’s finest speciality teas.”
Ribahun also participated in a Japanese tea ceremony during the expo, finding common ground across traditions.
“Learning about the Japanese tea ceremony and exchanging wisdom with tea artists from around the world reminds me that traditions may be rooted locally — but their impact is global.”
“It all starts with a cup — calm, intentional, shared. But soon, it flows into something deeper: conversations about culture, identity, resilience, innovation, and the futures we’re building together.”
“Through tea, we don’t just share taste — we share stories, exchange values, and spark ideas that cross continents and generations.”
“In that quiet moment of pouring and listening, we’re not just honouring the past — we’re shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and human world.”
Meghalaya’s tea journey began in earnest in 1974 when the Tea Board of India recognized the state’s potential for cultivation. Subsequent efforts led to the creation of nurseries and experimental gardens. Today, the state boasts over 2,000 hectares of tea plantations and more than 1,500 small tea growers.
Also Read:Over 28 lakh looted from SBI ATM in East Khasi Hills; Police suspect gang from Assam
Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
