In a landmark move to bolster indigenous identity and heritage, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the Indigenous Cultural Centre of Seng Khasi Kmie at Mawkhar, Shillong. Present at the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Art and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Seng Khasi elders, and members of the community.
The ₹15 crore project is being positioned as a dynamic cultural hub—a space envisioned not just for exhibition, but for the active practice and transmission of Khasi traditions. Sangma termed it “not just a building, but the foundation of a cultural movement.”
“A place where our identity, rituals, beliefs, and way of life are preserved for generations to come,” he stated.
Highlighting the long absence of formal spaces for key indigenous practices, he added, “For over a century, many important rituals have been performed in open spaces without proper infrastructure. We are correcting that with a commitment that reflects the cultural significance of our people.”
Underlining the broader cultural vision, Sangma said, “When we speak about preserving our culture, our way of life, and our history, we are talking about safeguarding the essence of who we are as a community. Our customs, rituals, language, and beliefs—these are not relics of the past, but living expressions of our identity.”
He further pointed to the urgent need for structured documentation of tribal culture across the Northeast. “We have not been able to document our history, our beliefs and our culture. Through the Chief Minister Research Fellowship (CMRF), the government is promoting research, so that our tradition and our history can be preserved.”
Sangma expressed hope that the centre would emerge as a collaborative space for intergenerational knowledge exchange. “The centre should demonstrate and showcase our rich culture to the world, as well as enable our youth to learn from the elders, scholars who can share their wisdom with the next generation.”
Reiterating the state’s inclusive cultural policy, the Chief Minister said, “Our government has been supporting different communities to preserve their rich heritage and culture. As a government, we want to ensure that all communities in the state are able to grow, live in harmony, and showcase the diversity of our nation.”
He noted that cultural preservation has been a priority of his administration since 2018. “Since 2018, my government has made it a mission to support, promote, preserve, and celebrate the cultural wealth of our people—whether it is the music of our hills, the dance of our ancestors, the language of our forebears, or the rituals and philosophies that define our worldview.”
Sangma emphasised that the project was born out of grassroots vision and collaboration. “From planning to execution, we are working hand-in-hand with the community. Our government believes in inclusivity—every citizen, every organisation is part of our vision. We will never segregate, but work together as one.”
