AMPATI: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Hajong Cultural Centre and Museum and Hajong Boy’s Hostel, Tura, at Saptoka under Betasing C & RD Block in South West Garo Hills.
Betasing MDC Nripen Koch, Sangma inaugurated the two infrastructures in the presence of South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Cyril Darlong Diengdoh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, H D B Sangma, Superintendent of Police Bobby W Momin and Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association Secretary Diven Hajong.
The cultural centre and museum was conceptualised by DR Sangma as a platform for the people to showcase their culture and a hub of traditional activities.
Addressing the gathering the CM lamented that people were slowly losing their identities due to negligence or want of knowledge of one’s roots. Micro communities are losing their identities as they are getting assimilated into other communities, he added.
The chief minister emphasizing on the need to preserve one’s cultural heritage stated that certain practices like enacting folklore through dramas were vanishing and had to be revived. He implored upon the older generation to motivate and teach the youth forgotten or vanishing arts related to their culture like playing traditional musical instrument, dance, drama etc the display of culture through various forms of traditional art is one aspect of preserving age old customs and teaches the younger generation to appreciate and preserve their identity.
He also informed that the Museum can be used to display culture to hold workshops, trainings etc on skills linked to the people’s traditions and heritage.
Speaking on the problems regarding accommodation faced by students studying outside their hometowns he said that hostels played an important role in mitigating the dilemma.
