Tura, Oct 7: In an effort to bridge cultural ties and promote the preservation of Garo traditions, Don Bosco College, Tura, in collaboration with Caritas Mymensingh Region, Bangladesh, inaugurated the Indo-Bangla Cultural Youth Camp on Monday.

The six-day camp, running from October 7 to 12, aims to foster cross-border cultural exchange between the Garo communities of India and Bangladesh.

The camp, held at Don Bosco College of Teacher Education, Tura, brings together participants from both countries to revive traditional Garo customs and arts. Attendees will learn to craft and play various traditional Garo instruments, such as the Dotrong, Sarenda, Chigring, Rang, Bangsi, and a full Dama, while also receiving instruction on tuning techniques. In addition, participants will be taught the traditional Wangala dance.

This initiative, the first of its kind, seeks to enhance understanding and strengthen cultural ties between the Garo youth of both nations.

The camp has attracted 15 delegates from Bangladesh and students from the Garo Department of Don Bosco College, Tura, offering them the chance to engage in hands-on learning about native instruments, folk dances, folklore, and traditions. Expert resource persons have been arranged to guide the participants through the intricate processes of creating Garo instruments and instilling a deeper awareness of Garo culture. The camp will culminate with the distribution of certificates to all participants.

The inaugural event was graced by Nikman Ch Marak, Deputy Chief Executive Member (Dy CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), who served as the chief guest. Other prominent figures in attendance included Fr. Bivan R Mukhim, Vice Provincial of the Guwahati Province and former principal of Don Bosco College, Tura; Dr. Barbara S Sangma, Associate Professor at Don Bosco College and organising secretary of the event; Bulbul Mankhin, Coordinator of Caritas Mymensingh Region, Bangladesh, and Fr. Januarius S Sangma, Principal of Don Bosco College, Tura.

Although Apurbo Mrong, Regional Director of Caritas Mymensingh Region, was initially invited as a guest, he was unable to attend due to flood relief efforts in Bangladesh. However, he is expected to join the camp for its concluding ceremony.

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