SHILLONG, Feb 22: Cultural murals, refurbished auditorium and state-of-the-art equipment were seen adorning the State Central Library premises as it observed its grand reopening on Wednesday.
Adding to the glory and cultural heritage of the state, the new State Central Library now boasts an eloquent U Soso Tham Auditorium, the majestic Museum on Wheels and an artistic mural planned and executed by the Riti Academy of Visual Arts.
Starring as the highlight of the redone project, the mural at the entrance of the library, in its artistic visuals, has represented Meghalaya’s richness in the form of its very many living root bridges, caves, monoliths, pitcher plants, waterfalls, the clouded leopard and indigenous tribes.
Inaugurating the ceremonious projects on Tuesday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma congratulated the Arts & Culture department for depicting the flora and fauna and the different cultural aspects of the state in the mural, adding that these souvenirs would serve as tourist attractions in the days to come.
The refurbished auditorium too, as the CM said, will now act as an important place to host government and cultural programmes with its new settings, equipments and enhanced sound systems.
“It is a matter of pride that now we will be able to provide world class facilities in this refurbished auditorium,” he said.
Similarly, the Museum on Wheels has been stated to be a reflection and celebration of Meghalaya’s past, its glorious freedom fighters and architects.
According to Commissioner and Secretary, FR Kharkongor, the museum will travel throughout the 12 districts of the state, taking the museum to the people.
Talking about similar upcoming projects, the CM informed that the Shillong International Centre of Performing Arts and Culture (SICPAC) at Mawdiangdiang is at the final stages of completion while renovation and upgradation works of auditoriums in Tura, Jowai and other district headquarters is also underway.
“While we preserve and showcase our cultural it is also important to ensure that we give space to our youngsters who are into performing arts to show their talents to the world,” he said adding that a number of programmes had been chalked out by the government for artists and musicians of the state as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the State.
Notably, Sangma and other dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, Minister, Arts & Culture Minister, Sanbor Shullai and Chief Secretary, RV Suchiang also released a number of books pertaining to statehood and culture of the State.
A number of musical performances lent a lively air to the reopening programme of the State Central Library held on Tuesday.