SHILLONG: Youths of Meghalaya should showcase their talent to tourists visiting the State so as to earn a livelihood from the tourism sector.
Airing this view while addressing the participants at the finals of the State Level Kala Utsav competition at U Soso Tham Auditorium on Tuesday, Martin Luther Christian University Vice Chancellor, R.G. Lyngdoh said that the tourism industry can be used as a platform by the youngsters to showcase their talents.
“The cultural performances, besides attracting tourists, will also give a source of livelihood to the performers,” he said. The event was organised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India in collaboration with the State Education Mission Authority.
Lyngdoh urged the performers, who won the District level competition, to stage plays of legendary stories like, “Noh Ka Likai” (The leap of Likai), “Manik Raitong,” “Tirot Singh”, etc.
He further encouraged the students to develop skills in the fields of painting, drama etc., and not to be satisfied “just with a degree”. The finals saw participation of artistes from all Districts of Meghalaya who made it here through the district level competitions.
The winners of the State level competition will represent Meghalaya at New Delhi in the presence of the Prime Minister.
There were performances in various categories of dance, music, theatre and visual arts.
Meanwhile, Director of Arts and Culture M.War observed that cultural heritage performances have not made any headway in the State and to bridge the gap Kala Utsav came up.
“Through this venture, schools will get to experience the rich cultural heritage,” she said while assuring that the Department of Arts and Culture will help in promoting the cultural heritage.
It may be mentioned that Kala Utsav is an initiative of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to promote arts in education by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talent of school students at the secondary stage in the country.
