By Aparmita Das
“In days long past, the name Nongjrong did not evoke imagery of awe-inspiring sunrises and panoramic vistas,” Misonwell mused, as he regaled the Slate with tales of a land that was once unknown, yet now renowned for its captivating dawns and ethereal clouds.
It was a land yet to be discovered, waiting to be explored. Now, it is a place where the beauty of nature is on full display.
Misonwell Rangtong hails from Nongjrong in the East Khasi Hills district. Though a Chemistry graduate, it is his craft that has made him popular in social media.
Photography, coupled with travelling to new, unfamiliar and offbeat locales, and the joy of meeting people are what he looks forward to. It is through these hobbies that he has played a pivotal role in putting Nongjrong on the world map.
The unique beauty of the region has already garnered attention of the world.
Before it became a tourist destination, however, it was known for its orange groves… one that people knew about and would visit to buy them.
“Nongjrong was celebrated for its verdant orange groves and the vibrant marketplace that teemed with activity during the first weeks of April,” he recalled with a hint of nostalgia, adding, “The region was primarily known to the inhabitants of Shillong and Ummulong, who would flock to purchase oranges from the local gardens.”
Following the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a sightseeing viewpoint (Brah Viewpoint) was constructed in 2018, to showcase the scenic beauty of the area.
Challenges remained in the form of poor road conditions. That said, the able leadership of local people became significant to promote Nongjrong as a tourist destination.
In the words of Misonwell, “A viewpoint called Lympum Viewpoint was constructed but the poor road conditions made it difficult to attract tourists. Be it the headman or the government, people have come together with a mission to promote tourism.”
Little did they know about the potential of this viewpoint, offering unparalleled views of the breath-taking sunrise and the ethereal clouds – a true revelation, changing the course of Nongjrong’s history forever.
Speaking on his inspiration, Misonwell cited the region’s singularity behind his passion.
His love for photography commenced as a student in St. Edmund’s College. Through this medium, he also discovered the power of social media and decided to share his vision with the world.
Reflecting on his stunning photographs, he spoke about a cherished memory. “I remember how the first rays of light danced across the sky. It was a tranquil morning and I was out taking a stroll with my family and was transfixed by the sight before me.”
There was no looking back, as his passion charted its own course. Armed with an android (mobile) phone, he set out to capture the stunning imagery of Nongjrong, determined to share its splendour with the world.
Travelling to far-flung destinations became a space for learning as he honed his craft, and mastered capturing fleeting moments of beauty “that often go unnoticed”, for posterity.
His hard work paid off. His photographs have been featured on many pages, primarily on Instagram and Facebook. It was in 2020 that his images of Nongjrong’s enchanting landscapes caught the attention of people.
“As the restrictions of the lockdown gradually eased, people began flocking to the place, with the permission of the headman to experience the beauty for themselves,” Misonwell said.
Fuelled by the adulation of his growing audience, he entered photography competitions and emerged victorious, solidifying his reputation as an artist. It further cemented his love for capturing the daily life and landscapes of Nongjrong and beyond.
Smiling, he pointed out, “Visitors from every corner of the nation, including foreign shores, have flocked to the village, drawn by its charming beauty and unique culture.”
His craft, in turn, has opened new avenues where art meets the entrepreneurial spirit. “The village has come alive with the bustling energy of commerce, as enterprising locals have seized the opportunity to set up businesses and establish homestays for the influx of visitors,” Misonwell said, with an introspective tone.
Speaking about his village, he highlighted how it is a safe haven for 300+ households, whose livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture.
Nestled 52 km away from the bustling capital of Meghalaya, the region also boasts of beautiful views of paddy fields, along with the pristine, crystal-clear Umngot river, Wah Lytang, and Um Tangphar – visible beyond the clouds.
Despite its beauty, Nongjrong, faces its fair share of difficulties.
One of the major challenges is the shortage of water during the winter months –forcing parents and children to leave home before sunrise to fetch water – a time consuming task. Additionally, water restrictions from the source exist when multiple households need it at the same time.
There are other persistent problems – parking, particularly on weekends, when large number of vehicles come at once; and insufficient toilets, with only three or four of them available at certain times – difficulties that paint a realistic picture of life in Nongjrong and the resilience of its people.
Tourism comes with its unique challenges too. Expressing his thoughts, Misonwell shared how the otherwise quiet village gets disturbed when individuals arrive, playing loud music at dawn, disturbing the people.
“While we always welcome visitors with open arms, it is my humble request that everyone refrain from screaming, playing loud music, setting fires, littering the area, drinking in public and bargaining for entry and parking fees. I cannot emphasise the importance of respecting each other’s cultures enough for everything to run smoothly. To experience peace, one has to practise it within. One way to achieve this would be to install a signboard to guide visitors in the right direction.”
Irrespective of these difficulties, the community has adapted and grown, learning to embrace the concept of tourism and making the most out of the opportunities.
The village has evolved, but has not lost its essence. Instead, it has seen the potential of being open to the ways of the world, making for a refined and ready-to-welcome attitude towards one and all so they can experience its beauty.
Misonwell shared his desire to be a master lens-wielder. His aim is to traverse the picturesque landscapes of Meghalaya and beyond, tapping into the hidden gems of India’s diverse cultures.
“Through photography, I capture the intimate moments of daily life, showcasing the rich culture and steadfast unity of our Khasi community. From the golden orange and paddy fields to the bountiful harvest of ginger, potatoes and tomatoes, I want to highlight the hardworking spirit of our village folk.”
His dream is to bridge the gap between tourists and locals, helping them to understand and appreciate each other. He envisions a world where the beauty of Khasi people and land is celebrated and shared, inspiring all to cherish and preserve it for generations to come.
The history of Nongjrong and its transformation into a beloved tourist destination will be remembered fondly in the future… as a place of discovery. Not just the sunrise, but as an insight into a culture closely tied to nature.
It will be spoken about as a paradise, a haven for those seeking to escape the chaos of the world.
“I firmly believe that the natural beauty of Nongjrong will remain untouched and unchanged, and will continue to offer visitors a glimpse into the serene and tranquil. The place, itself, is vast and has much more to offer to those who seek it,” Misonwell said.