New coffee-table book celebrates remarkable journeys of women

SHILLONG, Jan 23: The much-awaited coffee-table book titled Her Story: The Women Trailblazers of Meghalaya, edited by Dr David Arnold Kharchandy, Secretary of the Centre for Historical Research, Synod College, Shillong, was officially released at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The release ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who as the chief guest, besides Rajya Sabha member Dr Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi and members of the Management of Synod College, Shillong.
Her Story: The Women Trailblazers of Meghalaya celebrates the remarkable journeys of women who have left an indelible mark on the cultural, social, and political landscape of Meghalaya. As trailblazers, these women have challenged stereotypes, broken barriers, and redefined the role of women in shaping the modern identity of Meghalaya and India as a whole.
This book is a culmination of the two-day national seminar titled ‘Trailblazers of Empowerment in Meghalaya: Women’s role in shaping modern India’, held on November 14-15, 2024, as part of the diamond jubilee celebration of Synod College, Shillong. The seminar brought together scholars, activists, leaders, and community members to honour the contributions of Meghalaya’s women in diverse fields, from education, governance, and arts to environmental activism and grassroots movements.
In the matrilineal societies of Meghalaya — home to the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes — women have traditionally held a central role in preserving lineage, culture, and family structures. Yet, their impact transcends tradition, extending to significant achievements in public life, economic development, and social reform. This book seeks to document and celebrate their stories of courage, resilience, and leadership.
Through vivid visuals and compelling narratives, the coffee-table book offers a window into the lives of these extraordinary women. It highlights their contributions to Meghalaya’s development while reflecting their influence in shaping modern India. Their journeys are not just accounts of personal triumph but also powerful testimonies of collective empowerment.