SHILLONG, June 25 — Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the newly revamped Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum at the U Soso Tham Auditorium premises, Shillong, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to celebrate and preserve its diverse cultural heritage through modern means.
Gracing the event were Minister for Arts and Culture Paul Lyngdoh and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal. The museum, now transformed into a cutting-edge cultural hub, features QR-based exhibits, interactive digital installations, and advanced audio-visual storytelling tools, offering visitors an immersive experience rooted in tradition yet shaped by innovation.
“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,” the Chief Minister said.
As part of a broader state strategy to embed culture in education, Sangma announced that the Education Department will issue directions for all students to mandatorily visit the museum to foster early cultural awareness and pride among the youth.
To widen cultural access, similar museums are planned across various districts of Meghalaya, starting with Tura. Sangma shared that designs are already under consideration for these upcoming projects.
Under the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG), he noted that extensive cultural research is underway, leading to groundbreaking findings. “These findings will be compiled into publicly accessible booklets and academic resources, further strengthening cultural literacy in the state,” he said. Among the developments are AI-based translation and phonetic tools for indigenous languages, documentation of 71 traditional Garo games, and the rediscovery of archaeological tourism potential in the Garo Hills, including stone monoliths possibly dating back to 1200 BC.
Addressing Meghalaya’s vision for a creative economy, the Chief Minister emphasized the role of local entrepreneurship. Through the PRIME Program, artisans and entrepreneurs are being equipped to produce high-quality souvenirs and crafts that reflect the state’s heritage. “Other countries like Vietnam are exporting bamboo-based products; we too have immense potential to develop similar industries rooted in local resources,” he added.
He also spotlighted the success of the state-run OTT platform Hello Meghalaya in promoting regional arts and history. “What we started with Hello Meghalaya has now become a reference point across the country. This platform is giving voice to our culture in a very engaging and creative way,” he said.
Sangma further revealed plans to promote a unique religious heritage site in Sohra that houses a relic of St. Don Bosco. “The government plans to promote this heritage site through the Tourism Department and explore ways to preserve and present it to visitors,” he said.
Reflecting on the museum’s journey, the Chief Minister recalled his initial visit in 2018 that spurred the decision for its overhaul. “When I first visited the museum, I was disappointed. Today, I am proud to see how far we have come. This museum is not just a building — it is a living testament to our identity, our creativity, and our future.”
