Meghalaya CM Inaugurates Williamson Sangma State Museum In Shillong

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the newly renovated Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum, located within the U Soso Tham Auditorium premises in Shillong. The event marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage using modern technology and innovative approaches.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sangma highlighted the broader vision behind the museum’s transformation. “It’s not just about maintaining our identity and preserving it. The bigger question is how we make it more creative—how we incorporate our cultural heritage and convert it into an economy in itself,” he said.

As part of this vision, Sangma announced that the state’s Education Department will soon issue directives requiring all students to visit the museum. The move is aimed at instilling cultural awareness and pride among young learners, integrating cultural education into their academic journey.

To expand cultural access across the state, the Chief Minister revealed plans to develop similar museums in various districts, beginning with Tura. He noted that designs for these upcoming projects are already under consideration.

Sangma also highlighted the work being done under the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG), which is enabling extensive cultural research. The findings, he said, will be compiled into booklets and academic materials to promote cultural literacy. Noteworthy developments under the grant include AI-powered translation and phonetic tools for indigenous languages, documentation of 71 traditional Garo games, and the rediscovery of archaeological tourism potential in the Garo Hills. Among these discoveries are stone monoliths that may date back to 1200 BC.

Discussing Meghalaya’s push towards a creative economy, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of local entrepreneurship. Through the PRIME Program, local artisans and entrepreneurs are being supported to create high-quality souvenirs and crafts that reflect the state’s heritage. “Countries like Vietnam are exporting bamboo-based products; we too have immense potential to develop similar industries rooted in our local resources,” he said.

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