By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 1: World Tourism Day which is observed on September 27 every year was observed, instead, on September 30 at Mawmluh since students could only spare their time on a Saturday. The students of Ramakrishna Mission, Nabon Sawian Memorial Presbyterian School, and Rabon Sing Memorial participated in a day-long awareness programme on the intrinsic value of tourism in their areas and how they are to ensure that it continues to be a sustainable venture so that they can all benefit from it.
The awareness programme, held at Nabon Sawian Memorial School, was conducted by the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Department of Environment and Traditional Eco-systems, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) in collaboration with MTAACS, Mawmluh Sirdarship and YUVA Tourism Club of MLCU.
After the awareness programme which was also attended by the teachers of the schools, the special guests who were invited to the closing function addressed the students. P Kharwanlang, Sirdar Elaka Mawmluh while welcoming the guests from Shillong said he was encouraged to see so many who are interested in promoting sustainable tourism in the Elaka which also houses the geologically famous Mawmluh cave from which the Meghalaya Age is dated. He called on the students to become active stakeholders in their region.
Noted tourism entrepreneur, DD Laloo who has been the forerunner in promoting tourism in Sohra, said he was happy that tourism has replaced the livelihoods lost due to the non-functioning Mawmluh Cherra Cements Ltd (MCCL) for several years now but he also said the near closure of the cement company is a blessing in disguise.
“MCCL was the cause of serious pollution in and around the area. The dust would coat the rooftops and enter the homes of people nearby. Many suffered from respiratory ailments. Now at least people can breathe easy,” Laloo said adding that tourism has become the clean industry and people need to ensure that waste management is looked after and that tourism is regulated.
Rothell Khongsit, Chairman, Meghalaya Rural Tourism Cooperative Federation Ltd (MRTCF) who has mobilised the villagers and mothers of Kongthong village to realise that their special tunes for naming their children was a unique selling point that is also on the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, shared the challenges he faced and the initial resistance of the village council in promoting tourism there. But he persisted and later Rajya Sabha member, Rakesh Sinha adopted the village and brought in more recognition.
“We want tourists that understand the value of tourism and respect our unique culture. We want especially scholars and media persons who can carry our message far and wide,” Rothell said adding that it was because of the collective efforts of all that Kongthong recently received the Best Tourism Award (Bronze) at the National Tourism Award given by the Ministry of Tourism, New Delhi.
Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim who was also present at the function spoke about the importance of the Mawmluh cave and why there is need to train tour guides that can explain the features of the cave and also caution tourists from careless touching of the stalactites and stalagmites. “The cave is a sacred place and so too the sacred groves and waterfalls and the natural spaces around. Tourists must be given that sense of the sacred so that they too can take back some learning with them about our culture. We also need to plant indigenous trees in and around Mawmluh,” Mukhim said.
Head of Department, Tourism and Travel Management, MLCU Dr Iadonlang Tynsong explained the significance of World Tourism Day and this year’s theme – Tourism and Green Investments. It may be mentioned that MLCU has been partnering with the Mawmluh Sirdarship and MTAACS to engage with the residents of the Sirdarship to ensure that they take an active interest in conserving nature even while they welcome tourists so that every member of the village becomes a stakeholder and conservator.
Tour promoter and MTAACS member, Bansan Kupar Lyngdoh who has been a tourism entrepreneur from the area and in his vote of thanks emphasized on responsible tourism and how co-operation is the key to the success of every tourism project. He said the community should benefit from tourism to make it sustainable by ensuring that the environment is least impacted. He thanked the members of the Sirdarship, the students and teachers who enthusiastically participated in the programme.
Others who spoke included MTAACS Vice Chairman, BR Shabong while the office bearers of the Sirdarship including Banlam Kupar Lyngdoh who assisted the MLCU in their programme were all present.
Later the students and faculty of MLCU enthralled the students with their beat boxing tunes.