SHILLONG, MAR 26: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) on Thursday began distributing pamphlets across the city as part of a public campaign urging the government to construct a Khyndailad Cultural Centre, warning that Shillong’s historical heart is at risk of losing its indigenous identity.
Under the banner “Save Khyndailad, Save Our Identity – Ïm Ka Kyrten, Sah Ka Nam,” the pamphlet describes Khyndailad not merely as a commercial hub but as the “historical heart of Shillong and a symbol of Khasi identity, culture and public life.”
It laments that today, Khyndailad has “no space for indigenous artistes, no platform for traditional foods and crafts, no heritage information for tourists and youths and no recognition of its historical significance.”
“If Khyndailad loses its identity, Shillong loses its memory,” the pamphlet declares.
The HYC’s demand is for the Meghalaya government to immediately construct a Khyndailad Cultural Centre equipped with an open performance arena for Khasi, Jaintia and Garo artistes, permanent stalls for traditional foods and indigenous crafts, a heritage gallery, and architectural designs reflecting local traditions.
It argues the move is about jobs as much as culture.
“Culture if properly planned and implemented is not just decoration but it is an economy,” the pamphlet reads.
“The centre will create livelihoods for artistes, food vendors, craft makers and youth entrepreneurs.”
The pamphlet also frames the demand as constitutional and said, “Cultural preservation is a constitutional duty of the State Government and development without identity is destruction.”
It calls on the government to allocate funds, prepare a detailed project report, identify and secure land, consult indigenous stakeholders, and start construction within a fixed timeline.
The HYC said it will mobilise demonstrations, public meetings, signature campaigns, and outreach to youths, artists, dorbar shnongs, and other concerned citizens.
“We will not remain silent until Khyndailad Cultural Centre becomes reality,” it announced.
“This is not a political demand but a demand of the indigenous people of the State.”
For HYC, Khyndailad’s revival is tied to protecting identity. “A people without cultural spaces are invisible in their own land.”
“We call upon each and every indigenous person in particular and all concerned citizens of the State in general to support our demand,” it concluded.
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