SHILLONG:
People visiting the State Central Library on February 22 were in for a visual treat as an artistic mural, exuding architectural grandeur in tune with the cultural heritage of the state, left them awed at the entrance gate.
Unveiled by chief minister Conrad Sangma as a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Meghalaya’s Statehood on Tuesday, the mural, carved by local artists, wonderfully touched upon the state’s natural wonders and cultural identifiers. Apart from that, Sangma also unveiled a plaque at the entrance and inaugurated the refurbished Soso Tham Auditorium, besides launching the Museum on Wheels.
“We will do our best to push the arts and culture department as well as the overall scenario in the state to give youngsters and budding artists an opportunity to showcase their talent,” he said, addressing the gathering at the programme. He also called upon the people to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining the auditorium and keep it clean as it embodies a piece of the state’s history.
He also informed that the Deputy Commissioner has also been apprised about the need to construct a protective barrier around the mural. As for the Museum on Wheels, it will showcase Meghalaya’s 50 years and India 75 glorious years of journey, he said, adding it will allow the younger generation to learn about these significant milestones in our history.
Sangma also informed that during the Golden Jubilee Statehood celebration year, the government will be inaugurating the auditorium at Mawkasiang, which is in the final phase of completion. “Once complete, it will be another boost for betterment of art and culture in the state. Apart from being a platform for local talents to showcase their artistry, the auditorium will also host national and international events,” he said.
“We are also looking at expanding these facilities to accommodate hotels in the same Campus. We hope to take the project forward,” he added.
Speaking about similar projects in other parts of Meghalaya, the chief minister said that the process to renovate Tura auditorium is also underway. “Other district headquarters such as Jowai, Ri Bhoi, Nongstoin, and Williamnagar will also have such auditoriums and they will be built in a phase-wise manner,” he said.
With a vision to showcase the culture and history of Meghalaya through innovative and high tech means, he said that the government is planning to renovate and upgrade the existing Captain Williamson Sangma Museum. He said that one more museum is coming up in Tribal Research Institute in Babadam, Garo Hills.
Known to be a music enthusiast, Sangma also said that the government had plans to organise international music concerts in the state, but they had to put them off because of the Omicron outbreak.