Pynursla:
CEO and founder of Art 4 Peace, United States of America, Dr Dame Munni Irone has urged the indigenous people to preserve their culture, tradition, and language.
She was speaking at a programme held at Madan Shad Lyngdoh, Rangthylliang village in Pynursla on Friday where she was welcomed by traditional Khasi chiefs along with clan elders of the Dorbar Khun Kur Long Trai Lai Kynthei, Raid Shabong, Khyrim Syiemship.
The women from Rangthylliang village helped Irone wear the Khasi traditional attire. Irone, who is an author and philanthropist, also witnessed a traditional song performed by Na Rynsan ki Sur Tynrai Pynter Cultural Orchestra and a traditional dance by Khap-Umru, Khap-Umsong, and Pdengraid (Lai Kynthei).
Assuring that she will bring chiefs from other countries to the state, she said that she was impressed with the democratic way of functioning seen amongst the Khasi chiefs.
She said, “I want you to keep your culture, your tradition, and language because you are beautiful for who you are. I have been working with indigenous people since 1982 all around the world and I see a lot of common culture. We have the International Court of Justice for Indigenous People, so we are your voice.”
Irone added that the indigenous people do not need to go outside for jobs but assured to bring jobs to them and appealed for cooperation from the people.