Shillong, August 08: The North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS) observed the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples at its headquarters in Shillong on Friday, 7th August 2026, two days ahead of the official date of celebration. The programme brought together indigenous communities of Meghalaya, government representatives, distinguished guests and members and staff of NESFAS.
Centred around the year’s theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being”, the event highlighted the importance of Indigenous knowledge, food systems, biodiversity, traditional healthcare and community-led approaches to well-being while celebrating indigenous farmers as the custodians of biodiversity.
The programme, led by Mr. Mark B Thabah, Research Associate, NESFAS and Ms. Ribashisha Synshiang, Research Associate, NESFAS began with an invocation by Mr. Richard Ranee, a traditional knowledge holder from Nongtraw. Ms. Ebahunline Lyngdoh Marshillong, Research Associate, NESFAS, welcomed the gathering while calling for continued efforts to preserve Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage, protect its biodiversity and empower indigenous communities to ensure that Indigenous wisdom is passed on to future generations.
Mr. Pius Ranee, Executive Director of NESFAS, in his keynote address, highlighted NESFAS’ efforts to promote nutritious Indigenous foods through its community-led school meals initiative. By introducing locally available and traditionally consumed foods into school meals, the programme has helped children, parents, and communities better appreciate the nutritional value of wild edibles and local crops while reinforcing the importance of preserving Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems.
The celebration was organised with the support of IPAF–Tebtebba to commemorate the successful completion of the three-year project implemented in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Reflecting on the project’s achievements, Mr. Pius said, “Over the last two days, we brought together representatives from 25 Cooperative Societies, who reaffirmed their collective commitment to protecting, promoting, and revitalising Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems.
Thier three-year partnership with IPAF, IFAD, and Tebtebba has been instrumental in reaching this important milestone. What began with just five communities has grown into a vibrant movement involving many more communities that now share this common vision. Together, we have strengthened community-led institutions, built meaningful partnerships and championed innovative approaches that celebrate Indigenous knowledge, food systems, and cultural heritage.”
The programme then moved on to a cultural performance titled ‘Sok Rep Ki Nong’, presented by the Umwang Nongbah community, showcasing how the community practices shared labour during the hill paddy sowing season.
Mr. Shalmistar Khongngain, a youth from Mawbri, in his speech spoke about the Indigenous identity of the communities of Meghalaya (Khasi, Garo and Jaintia) and the responsibility of the younger generations to preserve them. He stressed that songs, traditions and customs serve as reminders of who Indigenous communities are and where they come from. “By keeping our heritage alive, we honour our ancestors and ensure that future generations will always remember their roots.” He stated.
He also spoke of the intimate relationship between people and nature while acknowledging the role played by NESFAS in preserving the culture of the Indigenous communities of Meghalaya, particularly through its work in agriculture and Indigenous knowledge.
The programme continued with ‘Where Wisdom Takes Root’, a short play presented by the Mawstep community, followed by another Voices from the ground session from Mrs. Pemodini M Sangma, who spoke about the benefits and importance of shifting cultivation.
Mrs. Pemodini highlighted the role of preserving traditional customs and ensuring that Indigenous knowledge systems are passed on to future generations. “Jhum helps restore and protect the environment, allows multi-cropping, promotes self-sufficiency and teaches the younger generations the value of Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems.” She added.
NESFAS then handed out a few awards recognising individuals, schools and community institutions for their contributions to Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and community-based initiatives under the IPAF IFAD Tebtebba project. Mr. Sambor Kongngain of Mawstep was named the Indigenous Youth Champion, while Ms. Barida Khongngain of Mawbri was awarded the Best PM POSHAN Cook.
Mawstep Presbyterian SSA LP School walked away with the Best Performing School for Community-led Nature-based School Meals while Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society was adjudged the Best Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society.
This was followed by ‘Bom Krai’, a cultural performance of the millet threshing festival by Nongtraw village. Thereafter, Mr. Drasing Suting, Headman of Umsawwar, then addressed the gathering for another Voices from the Ground session. He spoke about the strong governance system that exists in his village and the importance of these systems to meet the goals of preservation and wellbeing.
Mrs. D.B.S. Mukhim, Deputy Commissioner (Enforcement), Commissionerate of Food Safety, Government of Meghalaya, delivered the special remarks and extended her appreciation to ASHAs, midwives, nurses and PM POSHAN cooks, recognising the challenges faced by those working in community and school settings.
Mrs. Mukhim spoke of her origins from a rural background and her deep connection to her roots. She described communities as strong custodians of biodiversity and noted that Khasi communities could be considered “natural scientists” because of their longstanding practice of observing, understanding and calculating in harmony with nature. She also praised NESFAS’ support to the PM POSHAN programme as one of the organisation’s finest contributions and assured the government’s continued support to NESFAS in the days ahead.
Mr. Phrang Roy, Founding Chairperson of NESFAS, also delivered a video message during the programme. Referring to a 2021 FAO study of Nongtraw, he highlighted the environmental costs of modern food production and argued that local communities can provide important models of sustainability while stressing the need for global food systems to learn from the resilience of Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems.
“Our ancestral food systems, our cultural values of mutual caring and sharing, and our traditional midwives’ healthcare for the young and the old are not relics of the past. They are the potential game-changers.” Mr. Phrang stated.
He also touched on initiatives taken by NESFAS such as Mei-Ramew Cafes and School Meals among others, taken towards strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and called for greater collaboration among Indigenous Peoples’ communities and organisations at the local, national, regional and global levels.
Mr. Phrang’s message was followed by “Dimdim Dimchong Dadichong”, a folk song from Garo Hills, before the speech by the Chief Guest, Mrs. Deity Majaw, Executive Member in Charge of Law and Legal Affairs, KHADC and Member of District Council (MDC) 17-Laitumkhrah Malki Constituency.
Mrs. Majaw described the event as a celebration of the knowledge, culture and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and a reminder of the responsibility of present generations to preserve the wisdom passed down by their ancestors. She commended initiatives such as the Mei-Ramew Café and appreciated NESFAS for its work in preserving Indigenous knowledge, promoting sustainable food systems and empowering communities.
“I encourage the organisation to continue its commendable efforts, as this work is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our people and in safeguarding our rich natural and cultural heritage.” Mrs. Majaw concluded.
The formal programme concluded with a cultural presentation of ‘Chad Nongrep’ by the Lumtrep community, followed by the vote of thanks by Ms. Emiki Sohkhlet, Research Associate, NESFAS, who expressed gratitude to all the guests, participants, communities and staff for their presence and support. The gathering then explored the stalls and exhibitions that were set up at the venue, consisting of seed banks, youth as nature guides, Indigenous Peoples’ food systems exhibitions, and handloom and handicrafts.
