Panel discussion on oral traditions, museums organized

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Feb 3: A panel discussion on “Museums as Cultural Centres, and their Role in Revitalizing Intangible Cultural Heritage” was held at Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC), Mawlai today. The event, attended by more than 30 scholars from different parts of the globe, is part of the conference on “Oral Traditions: Continuity and Transformations – North East India and South East Asia” that was iugurated by Meghalaya Governor Shri V. Shanmugathan on Monday at the State Convention Centre, Pinewood Hotel Annexe.

Moderated by Prof. Amareswar Galla, the discussion focussed on reimagining museums as space for civic engagement and cultural citizenship, and how participation and inclusion of citizens in museums can highlight the life of different communities responding to rapid social-politico-cultural change, and face the challenge of maintaining cultural identities through fast disappearing practices.

The panellists include Dr. Sarit Chaudhuri, Dr. KK Basa, Dr. Dilip Medhi, Dr. Barnes L. Mawrie and Bibiz Thokchom.

A guided museum walk was also organised at Don Bosco Museum.