Rakkam bats for preservation of traditional customs, culture of Garos
From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 27: Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the much-anticipated second edition of the Tura Me’gong International Literary Festival 2024 at DC Park in Tura.
Addressing the chief guest on the occasion, Rakkam highlighted the importance of preserving the traditional customs and culture of the Garos, which, he added, are deeply embedded in their daily lives and social practices.
He emphasised that creative and prose writing can act as a vital link between ancient traditions and the modern world.
Sangma also encouraged the audience to immerse themselves in the study of their cultural heritage, as it reflects the community’s core values, beliefs and identity, shaping the future for generations to come.
Rangsakona MLA, Subhir Marak, who was the guest of honour, stressed on the significant role of Garo folklore in preserving the tribe’s values and traditional knowledge.
He explained how proverbs and folktales serve as key vehicles for passing down moral lessons and ancestral wisdom.
Marak also underscored the importance of safeguarding this knowledge system through both oral traditions and written records, ensuring its transmission to future.
Organised by the Department of Garo, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tura Campus, in collaboration with the A•chik Literature Society (ALS) and Don Bosco College, Tura, the festival will culminate on Thursday.
The event, held under the theme ‘Language, Literature, and Culture of the Garos’, is aimed to spotlight the vibrant linguistic, literary and cultural heritage of the Garo community, celebrating the intrinsic link between creativity and identity.
On the occasion, two books—Indo-Bangla Cultural Youth Camp Documentation and Gisikni Ku•birong -II by Dr. Rhinkle M. Marak—were also released by the education minister.
The academic sessions showcased insightful paper presentations chaired by Dr. Jacqueline R. Marak, Head, Department of Garo, NEHU, Tura Campus, as well as thought-provoking contributions by Dr. Tharsus K. Sangma and Mr. Kroshnil D. Sangma.
Another engaging session on the literature and culture of the Garos was chaired by Dr. Colnat B. Marak, Assistant Professor, Don Bosco College, Tura, and featured eminent panelists such as Ladipson Sangma (Karbi Anglong, Assam), Dr. Tharsush K. Sangma (Goalpara, Assam), Liang Ritchil (Bangladesh), and Traibin Marak (Tripura).