SHILLONG, JAN 20: Meghalaya Arts and Culture Minister and BJP legislator from South Shillong, Sanbor Shullai, has urged the Centre to extend support for preserving the state’s indigenous cultures, including Seng Khasi, Seng Raid, and Songsarek Garo traditions.
Shullai, accompanied by the BJP state president and senior party leaders, met Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at his residence in New Delhi to seek the initiation of dedicated cultural schemes in Meghalaya.
Speaking after the meeting, Shullai said the delegation requested the Centre’s intervention to safeguard traditional belief systems and practices that form the cultural foundation of the Khasi and Garo communities.
“We requested the Union Minister to initiate cultural schemes in Meghalaya to preserve the traditional Seng Khasi, Seng Raid, and Songsarek Garo cultures,” Shullai stated.
The minister also proposed the establishment of a cultural heritage traditional market at the Mawlai CRPF camp, aimed at showcasing the diverse cultural wealth of the North Eastern region. He said such an initiative could significantly boost cultural tourism and provide livelihood opportunities.
“A cultural heritage market showcasing the richness of the North East should be set up at Mawlai CRPF camp. We requested the Union Minister to visit the site to assess the requirement, which will help strengthen cultural tourism,” he added.
Additionally, Shullai sought the Centre’s support for launching a tourism development scheme in the South Shillong constituency, including the proposed ropeway project, which he said would generate both direct and indirect employment for local residents.
The meeting focused on strengthening Meghalaya’s cultural identity while enhancing tourism infrastructure to support sustainable development in the state.