Raphael Warjri

The closing ceremony of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Seng Kur Makdoh Pyllun was held at Mangkathiang Makdoh Memorial Secondary School, Nongnup, Umpowin. The event was graced by Mr Pyniaid Sing Syiem, Chief Executive Member, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council as chief guest in the presence of a host of dignitaries, including Mayralborn Syiem, MLA of Nongpoh, Mr Chrles Marngar, MLA of Mawhati, Mr. H Syiem, the Deputy Syiem of Hima Khyrim, Mr. R B Shadap, President of RiBhoi Dorbar, Mr R L Kharpran, Acting President of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur- Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep and office bearers of the clan organisation. The Chief Guest lauded the effort of the Makdoh clan and encouraged various other Khasi clans to pursue in formalisation of the clan and to register with the KHADC for the sustenance of the traditional heritage. He presented the statistics of Khasi clans from all over Khasi and Jaintia Hills and delved into certain aspects of customary practices that were required to be codified in the legal documents of the State.

The students of Mangkathiang School and local youth presented various cultural performances depicting the local cultural practices, particularly the role of the Makdoh clan in the Raij Nongtung. Others who spoke on the occasion were the President of the Makdoh clan, Joseph Makdoh, besides the prominent dignitaries present at the celebration. Various speakers addressed diverse issues of preserving the folk tradition of the Khasi people, emphasising the onslaught of modern trends and the political suppression of the Khasi community across the borders of Meghalaya state. The Chief Guest along with all the dignitaries released the Souvenir containing the origin, history, and the social development of the clan, particularly during the past twenty-five years.