By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday lauded the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for its initiative on research and documentation, aimed at creating a comprehensive database on the culture and traditions of the state.
“We are keen to promote and encourage this effort. I will instruct the Education department to ensure that all books researched under the KHADC’s programme are made available in libraries across colleges, schools, and universities in the state. Additionally, I hope to extend this initiative to other parts of the country,” Sangma said, while inaugurating a series of research projects spearheaded by the Research and Development Committee of the KHADC.
Sangma also stated that he would write to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, requesting that these books be procured and included in sections dedicated to tribal societies across India.
Sangma recalled how, about a year ago, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem and other council officials presented the proposal to him.
“The idea of promoting research and knowledge within our society immediately caught my attention,” he said, adding that he suggested replicating the initiative in the Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills Autonomous District Councils once it proved successful in the Khasi Hills.
The chief minister emphasised the importance of preserving tribal knowledge and culture, noting their global relevance.
“Tribal society and culture have so much to offer to the world. Often, we overlook this, but traditional knowledge and practices can provide solutions to global challenges, such as environmental issues,” he said.
The CM highlighted the significance of documenting indigenous knowledge, citing examples such as a book on Khasi marriage customs and another on traditional medicinal plants.
“It’s incredible to see what we can offer to the world. This knowledge must be documented professionally. When we present it on national or international platforms, proper research and evidence are necessary. This is why this initiative is so crucial,” he added.
It may be noted that the Chief Minister had sanctioned grant of Rs 50 lakh to the KHADC for its research initiative, which focuses on documenting and promoting Khasi culture, traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems.
During the event, several books on Khasi customs, governance, traditional medicine, and matrilineal practices were launched by the chief minister in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, KHADC CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem, former Deputy CEM Pynshngain N Syiem, and others.
Out of 41 scholars who applied for the research project, 34 were selected. On Tuesday, 17 research publications were released, with the remaining works expected to be published in the coming days.