SHILLONG, March 6: Minister of Art and Culture, Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of the Tagore Cultural Complex at Rilbong which he termed as an addition of another pearl to the geography of Shillong.
‘The day also marked the first anniversary of the MDA II government and this cultural complex was a birthday gift in a way to the people’, the minister said.
Stating that Shillong is not just a name, a city, or an address but it is a hub of culture and an icon of civilisation, he reminded that when one makes a mention of legendary figures of the Bengalee community, it is not just Gurudev Tagore who visited and stayed here but you also have Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and many more.
Reminding that on February 16, the state government unveiled and inaugurated the U Tirot Sing bust and library in Dhaka, he said,” A tribal Chieftan has become a global hero. We thought we would reciprocate by having the Tagore cultural centre here in the place which inspired Tagore to write three of his best-known books.
One of those, I had read when I was small in state central library”.
‘It is a matter of pride for Shillong which despite its small size has given birth to many classic works of arts, music and poetry books’.
Stating that the government has a clear vision, he said “When completed, the cultural complex will not only cater to Tagore fans, we would also like to make it a global connect with Dhaka and West Bengal to ensure it is a vibrant cultural centre filled with activities and programmes. We would like to see the exchange of culture”.
“As Gurudev philosophy, some should rise above his ethnic identity to become a global visionary,” he added.
Asking for the support of each one, he said, ‘Shillong has added another pearl to its geography through this cultural complex which houses a room that Tagore had used and also a bed he had slept on.”
He also emphasised on recapturing back the essence of Shillong of being a centre of art and culture.
The foundation stone of the Tagore Cultural Complex was laid in the presence of Sanbor Shullai MLA cum Chairman MTDC, F. R Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary, Arts and Culture Department, F M Dopth, Secretary Arts and Culture Department, D. D Shira, Director, Arts and Culture Department, and others.
