Shillong : The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) on Thursday launched a public campaign across Shillong, calling on the government to urgently construct a Khyndailad Cultural Centre to protect what it described as the city’s “historical heart” and safeguard indigenous identity.
As part of the campaign, HYC members distributed pamphlets across key areas of the city under the slogan “Save Khyndailad, Save Our Identity – Ïm Ka Kyrten, Sah Ka Nam.” The campaign highlights growing concerns that Khyndailad is gradually losing its cultural and historical significance.
According to the organisation, Khyndailad is not just a commercial hub but a symbol of Khasi identity, culture, and public life. However, it lamented that the area currently lacks dedicated spaces for indigenous artistes, traditional food vendors, crafts, and heritage information for both tourists and the younger generation.
“If Khyndailad loses its identity, Shillong loses its memory,” the pamphlet stated, underlining the urgency of the issue.
The HYC has demanded that the Meghalaya government immediately initiate the construction of a modern cultural centre at Khyndailad. The proposed project would include an open performance arena for Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo artistes, permanent stalls for traditional food and indigenous crafts, a heritage gallery, and architectural designs reflecting local traditions.
Beyond cultural preservation, the organisation stressed the economic importance of the project. It argued that a well-planned cultural space could generate employment opportunities for local artistes, food vendors, craft makers, and young entrepreneurs.
“Culture, if properly planned and implemented, is not just decoration but an economy,” the pamphlet noted, highlighting the potential for sustainable livelihoods.
Framing the issue as a constitutional responsibility, HYC stated that cultural preservation is a duty of the State, warning that development without protecting identity could lead to long-term cultural loss.
The group has also outlined a roadmap for the government, including allocation of funds, preparation of a detailed project report (DPR), identification of land, consultation with indigenous stakeholders, and implementation within a fixed timeline.
To push its demand forward, HYC announced plans to intensify its movement through public meetings, demonstrations, signature campaigns, and outreach programmes targeting youths, artistes, dorbar shnong bodies, and concerned citizens.
“We will not remain silent until the Khyndailad Cultural Centre becomes a reality,” the organisation asserted, adding that the demand is not political but rooted in the interests of indigenous communities.
Emphasising the broader significance, HYC stated that the preservation of Khyndailad is directly linked to the identity and visibility of the people.
“A people without cultural spaces are invisible in their own land,” it said, calling on all citizens to support the movement.