The Sohra Marathon started in 2015 under the aegis of RunMeghalaya a group that has creditable experience in organizing such runs since they are themselves global runners, could not be held this year for want of government support. This was billed to be an annual event and is much looked forward to. It should have figured prominently in the tourism calendar of Meghalaya as it brings runners from across the globe and the country to the state. Held on July 17 every year, the first season was inaugurated by the Chief Minister himself who is also the Tourism Minister. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Zenith Sangma was also present and so too were other ministers, MLAs and senior bureaucrats. The Sohra Marathon was meant to be a big ticket tourism promoter as several ancillary units in and around Sohra are set to benefit from the presence of such a huge crowd. But this was not to be. In a state that does not have too many corporate entities, getting sponsorship for such events is a tall order. It is here that the Government should have come in to support the organizers in what should have appropriately been a joint venture. And this is not even a big budget event!
The problem with the Government’s Tourism Department is its inability to envisage and nurture a big vision and to sustain any new initiative. Moreover, Tourism is a major Department which should have been handled by a senior minister with adequate experience. The Chief Minister is already overburdened with Finance, Agriculture & Horticulture, Mining & Geology, Planning, Commerce & Industry etc. It’s difficult to imagine one person handling so many important portfolios and to be able to keep abreast of the developments in each department. Tourism must not be featuring in the CM’s list of priorities! Those in the Department have neither the drive nor enthusiasm to bring key issues related to tourism to the CM’s attention. So everything moves in fits and starts. It can be said of Meghalaya that tourism here progresses despite the government. Meanwhile, all who await the annual Sohra Marathon are left hugely disappointed! Wonder what the Tourism Minister and his Department have to say. So too the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs!