By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 10: Adding a major community and cultural facility to the state capital, the Tribal Cultural Centre was inaugurated at Qualapatty on Saturday.
The centre was formally opened by West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh, who had initiated the project in 2012, and Rajya Sabha member WR Kharlukhi in the presence of local residents and invited dignitaries.
The project involves a G+2 structure built at a total cost of Rs 2.47 crore, exceeding the originally sanctioned amount of Rs 2.30 crore. The building includes a parking facility on the ground floor, an administrative block and conference hall on the first floor, and a banquet hall on the second floor. Funding was provided by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, sanctioned in 2023 during the tenure of former minister Sanbor Shullai, with administrative oversight by then Commissioner and Secretary Frederick Roy Kharkongor. Construction and implementation of the project were carried out exclusively by the Dorbar Shnong Qualapatty.
Acknowledging the support of the state government, the Dorbar Shnong stated that the project fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the local community.
The inaugural programme began with a welcome address by Rangbah Shnong DM Thangkhiew followed by a prayer led by Rev Dr AC Moore. General secretary of the Dorbar Shnong, JR Warjri, presented the background and evolution of the project, while Project Manager of the Building Sub-Committee, Damon M Lyndem, detailed the execution and completion process.
The ceremony also featured a special performance by members of the Shillong Chamber Choir, who presented their rendition of “To God Be The Glory.”
Addressing the gathering, MP Kharlukhi acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Dorbar Shnong, noting that effective teamwork played a decisive role in the timely completion of the project.
In his address, Paul Lyngdoh commended the planning and quality of execution of the infrastructure and recalled the historical importance of Qualapatty, referring to its association with late JJM Nichols Roy, founder of the Sixth Schedule, and the locality’s role during the period when India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited the area.
