By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 23: a two-day national seminar on “Shadows of 1975: The Emergency and Meghalaya’s Journey as a Young State” was organised by the Centre for Historical Research Synod College (CHRSC), Shillong, on Thursday with the support of the Chief Minister Special Grant.
The seminar brought together eminent scholars, journalists, diplomats, civil society leaders, and students to commemorate 50 years since the Emergency and to examine its impact on Meghalaya’s political and social evolution.
The inaugural function, held at the Synod College Auditorium, was graced by Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai as the chief guest.
The session was chaired by Dr Kerlihok Lyngdoh Buam, Head, Department of History, with Dr Gayreen Lyngdoh, Principal, delivering the welcome address, and Dr David Arnold Kharchandy, Secretary, CHRSC, introducing the theme.
The event also marked the formal opening of the 1975 Emergency Photo Gallery.
The seminar featured three special roundtables and two paper presentation sessions, both in offline and online mode, where speakers from NEHU, IIM Shillong, St. Edmund’s College, St. Anthony’s College, and other institutions shared their perspectives on the Emergency, autonomy, media, and democratic resilience.
Highlights included a debate competition among students, a screening of an official short film on the Emergency produced by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and an Emergency Photo Gallery curated by CHRSC.
In his concluding remarks, Dr David Arnold Kharchandy emphasised that the seminar served not only as a forum for academic reflection but also as a reaffirmation of Meghalaya’s deep-rooted commitment to democratic ethos and constitutional values.
