CM iugurates cultural centre, boys' hostel

AMPATI, Dec 2: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on iugurated the Hajong Cultural Centre & Museum and Hajong Boys’ Hostel at Saptoka under Betasing C&RD Block in South West Garo Hills on Friday.

Sangma iugurated the two institutions in the presence of Betasing MDC Nripen Koch, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Cyril Darlong Diengdoh, Additiol Deputy Commissioner HDB Sangma, Superintendent of Police Bobby W Momin and Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association secretary Diven Hajong.

The cultural centre and museum was conceptualised by Sangma as a platform for the people to showcase their culture and make it a hub for traditiol activities.  

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister rued that people were slowly losing their identities due to negligence or want of knowledge of one’s roots. Micro communities are losing their identities as they are getting assimilated into other communities, he pointed out.

Emphasising the need to preserve one’s cultural heritage, he stated that certain practices like ecting folklores through dramas were vanishing and had to be revived. He implored upon the older generation to motivate and teach the youth about vanishing arts related to culture like playing traditiol musical instruments, dances, dramas etc. Display of culture through various forms of traditiol art is one aspect of preserving age-old customs and teaches the younger generation to appreciate and preserve their identity.

Sangma said the museum can be used to display culture and also hold workshops, trainings, etc, on skills linked to people’s tradition and heritage.

Speaking on the problem pertaining to accommodation faced by students studying outside their hometowns, the Chief Minister said hostels played an important role in mitigating the dilemma.   

Earlier delivering the welcome address, the Deputy Commissioner said Identity was one of the most important facets of being human. Unless the younger generation knows their rich cultural heritage, they will not be able to move forward, he added.