TURA, Aug 10: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma on Sunday accentuated the importance of safeguarding the rules, customs and traditions of the Garo tribe as a way of sustaining its unique identity.
Sangma was speaking as the chief guest at a community awareness-cum-capacity building programme organised by the Mangsang Ampang Mahari Association (MAMA) Tura Unit at Cariz, Wadanang, Tura.
The event focused on strengthening knowledge and understanding of the rules and customs that guide the building of a Garo family.
Sangma stressed that the goal was not only to preserve culture, customs and traditions but also to pass on knowledge and awareness to the youth, the future custodians of Garo heritage.
The Speaker then called for continued collective efforts, noting that the Garo culture is one of the few matrilineal societies in the world where inheritance is traced through the mother’s line and that its distinctive customs, attire and cuisine deserve to be celebrated and protected.
He then suggested organising specialised workshops on cultural attire and traditional cuisine to ensure these unique aspects remain vibrant for generations to come.
On the other hand, Dr Ramona M Sangma and Vickyrose N Sangma presented a brief recapitulation of the workshop held on March 15, 2025.
Tangrang M Sangma and Dillip M Sangma served as resource persons, delivering in-depth sessions on the significance of these rules in preserving Garo identity, harmony, and cultural integrity.
The event placed special emphasis on teaching the dictionary of rules for building an A.chik family and providing structured awareness on sustaining families in line with traditional Garo customs.
During the programme, interactive discussions were also held to encourage participants to share experiences and clarify doubts, ensuring the knowledge shared was practical and culturally rooted.
Meanwhile, resource persons and elders urged the younger generation to respect and follow time-honoured customs, stressing that such practices not only maintain family unity but also strengthen the cultural fabric of the community.
The programme concluded with a valedictory session and a reaffirmation of commitment to preserving Garo heritage through conscious adherence to traditional family rules and values.