Shillong, Dec 11: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has stressed the need for deeper documentation of tribal histories, languages, rituals, dance forms, and migratory origins.
Highlighting cultural gaps, Sangma noted, “In Garo culture alone, there are multiple drum beats and different steps for the Wangala that only drummers can distinguish, but there is no documentation,” urging further research through initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Research Grant.
He encouraged schools to stage plays on Meghalaya’s heroes such as Tirot Sing, Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan Sangma to instill a sense of pride and unity among the youth.
The chief minister was addressing at the inauguration of the 4th Edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble at Ward’s Lake, Shillong on Wednesday. The festival celebrates the craft, culture, and cuisine of the Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos.
Sangma commended the Department of Arts & Culture for creating a festival that “brings us back to our roots, highlights different aspects of our culture, showcases them to the world, and ensures that the identity and legacy of our people are celebrated and preserved.”
He emphasised the significance of the Tri Hills Ensemble, noting that this year’s theme, “Rivers, Roots, and Revival,” reflects the rediscovery of lost traditions, including rowing and boating competitions once held in Dawki and other areas.
He pointed out that while Meghalaya continues to achieve rapid economic progress—“the second fastest growing economy in the country after Tamil Nadu”—preserving cultural identity must remain central to development.
Sangma concluded by expressing hope for stronger cultural exchanges and extended his best wishes to all participants and awardees.
Minister of Arts & Culture, Sanbor Shullai, stated that the festival honours the enduring heritage of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo people, celebrating their culture, language, music, cuisine, and craftsmanship.
He noted that the Meghalaya Arts and Heritage Awards recognise both masters and innovators preserving identity, as well as young achievers representing new excellence.
He also acknowledged cultural research and documentation projects, including the Chief Minister’s Research Grant, which ensure the preservation of cultural knowledge for future generations.
Discussing the revival of traditional boat races, he described it as a return of a heritage that brings together men, youth, performers, artisans, and organisers in a collective effort to keep culture alive.
Adviser to the Government, Paul Lyngdoh, highlighted the rich line-up of activities at the Tri Hills Ensemble, each deeply rooted in the State’s culture. He noted the importance of connecting young performers to their roots, particularly in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, and observed that the evening’s performances reflected the wisdom of ancestors.
Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, highlighted the role of archaeological research and music in formally recognising the past. By documenting communities, conducting research, and sharing knowledge, he noted, such initiatives—supported through research grants—can be preserved for future generations.
He observed that the Chief Minister’s Research Grant has supported 48 scholars exploring indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, applied heritage research, and documentation, helping rediscover traditional practices and home remedies.
He emphasised that cultural roots are essential for any community, serving as bridges that connect people to their heritage and keep them grounded. He concluded by stressing the importance of respecting culture, protecting the natural environment, and welcoming tourists—an important source of revenue.
Meanwhile, Eoghan O’Regan thanked the organisers for the invitation and expressed his privilege at visiting Shillong early in his tenure. He highlighted the deep friendship between Meghalaya and Wales, noting that Thomas Jones—who introduced the Khasi language to written form—remains a symbol of this bond, celebrated on Thomas Jones Day in both regions.
Referring to earlier festival speeches celebrating the living culture of the Khasi Hills, he noted that Wales shares a similar cultural spirit captured in the motto “amarhid,” meaning “still here,” reflecting pride in enduring language and culture. O’Regan spoke of growing cultural connections, including Khasi musicians studying the Welsh harp, its therapeutic use at Gordon Roberts Hospital, and artist exchanges between Wales and Meghalaya.
He reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to support projects that build trust and open doors, and concluded by expressing excitement for the festival and acknowledging that Khasi culture is thriving.
Earlier, while delivering the welcome address, Principal Secretary Frederick R. Kharkongor, IAS, highlighted the festival’s focus on rivers and the revival of traditional boat races, framing it as a restoration of living heritage.
He emphasised Meghalaya–Wales cultural ties, acknowledged contributions to language, cuisine, and community initiatives, and introduced the first Mega Arts and Heritage Awards to recognise cultural pillars, emerging voices, and performers shaping the State’s cultural landscape.
He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Research Grant and the “Revisiting Our Roots” project, which traces the historical and migratory roots of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes through international research and academic collaborations.
Cultural performances showcased Meghalaya’s artistic diversity, featuring music by Khasi Cymru, a folk-tale musical by the Ground Breakers of Khatsaw Phra College, and a medley titled Twelve-Tet by the State Institute for Arts & Culture, representing unity across the three tribal hills and twelve districts. The lineup also featured a performance by Bhutanese rock band Baby Floyd, supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
The evening included the Recognition and Award Ceremony honouring individuals and groups under the Meghalaya Culture & Cuisine Awards and the Meghalaya Arts & Heritage Awards, ncluding promoters of the Khasi language, innovators in indigenous cuisine, community library initiatives, folklore specialists, and performers and craftsmen from across the State.
Significant releases included a preview of the film Crafting Technique of the Saitar under the Chief Minister’s Research Grant, research articles on the CMRG portal, online library membership registration, the Rasong National Tribal Festival Report, and the CMRG Report.
Book launches included works by Ana Notsu translated into Biate by Anthony Durpui and Ringmunfeli Nampui, along with contributions by Silbi Passah and Khrawbok Shadap.
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