Tura, March 22: Moving beyond documentation to hands-on revival, the A∙chik Literature Society (ALS) has taken a significant step toward preserving Garo cultural heritage by directly training young people in traditional music, instruments, and performance practices.

The five-day regional workshop, held from March 16–20 at NEHU Tura campus, brought together over 100 students and research scholars, focusing on active transmission of indigenous knowledge—from crafting instruments to performing age-old art forms.

Unlike conventional cultural programmes, the initiative placed participants at the centre of learning. They were trained to make and play traditional instruments such as the chigring, dama, and flute, while also learning performance traditions like dotdrong music, Wangala dance, and grika—ensuring that heritage is not just remembered, but practiced.

Speakers at the valedictory session stressed that preserving culture requires more than awareness. NEHU Tura Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Fameline K. Marak urged youth to stay rooted in their traditions while pursuing academic goals, highlighting the role of young people as custodians of cultural identity.

Cultural practitioners and instructors reinforced that indigenous knowledge must be lived and passed on, not confined to archives. Demonstrations of diverse dama beating styles and performances like the Garo song A∙bri A∙kong showcased how traditional forms can remain vibrant and relevant.

ALS leaders also highlighted the economic potential of traditional arts, encouraging participants to view cultural knowledge not only as identity but as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods.

In a message, ALS President Prof. Caroline R. Marak underscored that A∙chik identity is deeply tied to its music, language, land, and traditions, calling for urgent efforts to revitalize these elements in a rapidly changing world.

Since 2010, ALS has been playing a key role in bridging generational knowledge gaps, ensuring that traditional skills are transferred directly from experienced practitioners to the youth.

The workshop served as a significant platform for the preservation and promotion of traditional knowledge, fostering cultural pride and inspiring younger generations to actively engage with and sustain indigenous arts and heritage.

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