By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 2: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, has expressed deep admiration for Meghalaya’s world-renowned Living Root Bridges and the famed Mawmluh Cave.
On Sunday, Scindia visited the Mawmluh Cave. Sharing his experience on X, Scindia described his Meghalaya visit as “awe-inspiring and unforgettable,” adding that walking through the ancient depths of Mawmluh Cave was “grounding and transformative.”
He wrote, “To stand where Earth’s ages meet, surrounded by nature’s art carved over millions of years, will always remain etched in my memory.”
He further lauded Meghalaya Tourism for preserving and promoting the state’s unique natural wonders, describing Meghalaya as “a true gem of the Meghalayan age.”
In a video message posted on his Instagram account on Sunday, Scindia reflected on the timeless beauty of the state’s natural heritage. “When you come here, it takes you back in time — to the beauty and peace of Mother Nature, to the wisdom of the earth before human hands reshaped the world, guiding us once again to reconnect and harmonise,” he said.
Scindia toured one of the longest Living Root Bridges at Rangthylliang village in East Khasi Hills, where he was accompanied by members of the Living Root Bridge protection team and environmentalist Morningstar Khongthaw, among others. The Minister spent time exploring the natural marvels, some of which stretch hundreds of feet across deep valleys.
He said that a two-hour-long hike through Rangthylliang, the longest living root bridge spanning over 50m, in Meghalaya, felt like being cradled by Mother Nature herself.
“There was something deeply grounding about walking on roots that have grown strong over centuries. It reminded me that just as she gives us a firm footing, it’s on us to protect her in return and to nurture, what nurtures us,” the Union Minister of DoNER said while adding that a quiet moment, a lasting lesson.
He said, “I bow my head in reverence to our Mother Nature’s eternal grace and wisdom. Special thanks to our wonderful guide Morningstar and regional advisor Laborious Syiem for leading us through this unforgettable experience.”
The Minister emphasised that the Living Root Bridges represent a deep connection between people and their environment.
“The beauty of Mother Nature is something we, as people, as Indians, and as the people of Meghalaya, must value and revere, for she is our protector and provider,” he stated.
Calling his visit “a truly enriching experience,” Scindia said he felt humbled to stand “on the sacred soil of Meghalaya, among the roots that have nurtured generations of people living in harmony with nature.”
Khongthaw, who had an interaction with the Union Minister during the visit, said, “I am happy to have had the opportunity to speak directly with the Union Minister in charge of DoNER. I requested the central government through him to promote Meghalaya’s unique natural creations to the world. We must preserve these living bridges.”
The Minister’s visit to Rangthylliang was part of his two-day tour to Meghalaya, during which he also laid the foundation stone for the ₹233-crore Sohra Circuit Project under PM-DevINE, aimed at boosting sustainable tourism and livelihood opportunities in Sohra.
