States » EastPosted at: Jun 26 2025 12:24AM


Revamped Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum inaugurated

Shillong, June 25 (UNI) The revamped Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum at the premises of the U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today.

The museum, named after the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has been completely redesigned to offer a modern and immersive experience, with state-of-the-art technology including QR-based exhibits and interactive digital displays.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Arts and Culture Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal and senior government officials.

Reflecting on his first visit to the museum in 2018, which inspired this transformation, Sangma said, “When I first visited the museum, I was disappointed. Today, I am proud to see how far we have come. This museum is not just a building - it is a living testament to our identity, our creativity, and our future.”

The Chief Minister said the initiative is part of a broader vision to celebrate, document, and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage while promoting a sustainable creative economy.

“It’s not just about maintaining our identity and preserving it. The bigger question is how we make it more creative, how we incorporate our cultural heritage and convert it into an economy in itself,” Sangma said.

The Chief Minister announced that the Education Department will issue directions for all students to mandatorily visit the museum, underlining the importance of instilling cultural awareness and appreciation among youth.

To expand outreach, similar museums will be set up in different parts of the state, starting with Tura. Designs are already being considered for new projects in other major district headquarters.

Sangma informed that through the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG), research on various aspects of culture and development has been initiated.

He stated that a review of the research has showcased interesting developments, including the development of AI-based translation and phonetic tools for local languages, the rediscovery and documentation of 71 traditional Garo games, and the exploration of archaeological tourism in the Garo Hills, with ancient stone monoliths that may date back to 1200 BC.

“These findings will be compiled into publicly accessible booklets and academic resources, further strengthening cultural literacy in the state,” the Chief Minister said.

On Meghalaya’s efforts to drive a creative economy by promoting cultural entrepreneurship, Sangma stated that through the PRIME Program, local entrepreneurs are being supported to manufacture high-quality souvenirs and handicrafts.

“Other countries like Vietnam are exporting bamboo-based products; we too have immense potential to develop similar industries rooted in local resources,” he added.

Highlighting the government-run OTT platform, "Hello Meghalaya", he said that the platform has become a key instrument in documenting and promoting local culture, music, and history through films, documentaries, and digital content.

“What we started with Hello Meghalaya has now become a reference point across the country. This platform is giving voice to our culture in a very engaging and creative way,” he said.

Stating that a parish in Sohra is home to a relic of St. Don Bosco - making it one of only a handful of such sites in the world, he said, “The government plans to promote this heritage site through the Tourism Department and explore ways to preserve and present it to visitors.”

During the programme, Commemorative stamp on Captain Williamson Sangma was released and was handed over to the family. The stamp was received by Captain Sangma’s youngest daughter Rebecca Momin.

The chief minister and other dignitaries also took part in the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, which was observed today, to mark the 50th year of imposition of the Emergency in India.

The Samvidhan Hatya Diwas is a solemn reminder of a time when constitutional freedoms were suspended, and democratic institutions were put under strain. UNI RRK SSP
Tags: #Revamped Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum inaugurated
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