Raphael Warjri

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the redesigned Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum at the U Soso Tham Auditorium premises in Shillong. Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal were also present at the event.

The museum has been modernized with QR-enabled exhibits and interactive digital features, aiming to offer an immersive cultural experience. 

The Chief Minister stated that the initiative is part of a broader vision to preserve and promote the state's heritage while building a creative and sustainable economy.

He announced that student visits to the museum would be made mandatory by the Education Department to foster cultural awareness among the youth. Plans are underway to establish similar museums in other districts, starting with Tura.

Conrad K Sangma highlighted research efforts under the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG), including the development of AI-based tools for local languages, documentation of 71 Garo traditional games, and exploration of ancient monoliths in Garo Hills, potentially dating back to 1200 BC. These findings will be compiled into accessible educational materials.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the promotion of cultural entrepreneurship through the PRIME Program, supporting the production of local handicrafts and souvenirs. He noted Meghalaya’s potential to build bamboo-based industries like those in Vietnam.

He further credited the Hello Meghalaya OTT platform as a successful medium for showcasing the state's culture, music, and history through films and digital content. He also announced plans to promote a rare relic of St. Don Bosco located in Sohra as a heritage site.

Reflecting on his first visit to the museum in 2018, the Chief Minister expressed pride in its transformation, calling it a symbol of identity and creative potential.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister and dignitaries observed Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, marking 50 years since the imposition of the Emergency in India. He stressed the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights and democratic values.

A commemorative stamp in honour of Captain Williamson Sangma was also released during the event and handed over to his youngest daughter, Rebecca William Ch Momin.