SHILLONG: MLA Charles Pyngrope, on Tuesday, inaugurated a new gallery of artefacts donated by Sonia Gandhi to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC) or popularly known as the Don Bosco Museum.
The collection of artefacts includes tools, boots with traditional shawl stripes, Naga head gear, ornaments, traditional shawl, lungi and others. The new gallery can be found on the ground floor of the museum.
Speaking on the occasion, Pyngrope expressed pride and joy over the inauguration of the new gallery at the museum.
Fr. Paul Olphindro Lyngkot blessed the exhibition and wished that the Don Bosco Museum further grows.
Thanking the various guests present on the occasion, the director of DBCIC, Fr. Manoj said, “Progress is travelling on in life and getting stronger every day. I place on record the Museum’s gratitude to Sonia Gandhi and all others who have been instrumental in making this exhibition possible”.
Before handing over the objects, Sonia Gandhi wrote to Fr. Manoj, saying, “I convey my warm thanks and appreciation for the willingness of the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC) in Shillong to accept the donation of various artefacts and fabrics that have long been part of my family’s collection. Many of the items were gifted to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi when they were Prime Ministers and also to me. The Don Bosco Museum houses a diverse and wonderful collection of the rich heritage of our North East. I am confident that it is the rightful home for these artefacts. I know they will be cared for and hope that they enrich the experience of visitors who come to the centre”. It may be mentioned that Sonia Gandhi had inaugurated the DBCIC in March, 2010.
