Shillong, Sept 03: The third day of Ka Longtynrai Jong Ka Longrynieng; festival under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture and jointly organised by the Shillong Law College and Positive Energy Art Foundation saw a mix of cultural events that were held at the Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong on 3 September, 2022.
Artistes from Ri Bhoi, Ri War, Jaintia, Khasi and the Garo Hills had the audience tapping their feet to indigenous tunes emanating from traditional musical instruments that accompanied their song and dance performances.
An Art and Craft Exhibition was also held to test and showcase the skills of local artisans in the art of pottery-making, traditional craft-making, drawing, sketching and painting. At the Valedictory Function that was held during the evening, the Minister of State for Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Also present were the Chairperson of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Committee for Empowerment of Women and also Guest of Honour,Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Special guest, National General Secretary of the BJP, Shri B L Santosh, the General Secretary of the UDP, Dr Jemino Mawthoh, the Director of Indian Centre for Cultural Relations,
Shillong, Dr Munish Singh, the Registrar Nehu, Shri Raj Mullick, the Principal of Shillong Law College, Dr Shariff Uddin, the Vice Principal of the college, Dr Mrinalini Kharshiing, the President, Governing Body, Shillong Law College, Shri D D Gurung, Member Governing Body, SLC, Dr M P R Lyngdoh.
Additional Advocate General Government of Meghalaya, Shri S P Mahanta, the Asst Director, Arts and Culture Department, GoM, Smt. D Kharjana, staff and students of the Shillong Law College besides others. Winners of various competitions held during the three-day event were also felicitated during the Valedictory Function.
Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, while addressing the gathering, said that the people of Meghalaya should endure our roots which are in line with Nationalism. I wish all citizens of this beautiful nation of India a very happy 75th Independence Day.
Reminding the gathering of the rich culture of the state, Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh also requested the Minister of State for Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal to facilitate, along with the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the process of inclusion and recognition of the Khasi and Garo Languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
During his valedictory address, the MoS for Culture, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal lauded the organizers for the colourful event. Stressing on the importance of language, he enlightened the gathering on the use of Hindi instead of other languages, as a tag to the 75th year celebration of India independence where he stated that, " after completing our 75 years, we want that India must be Atma Nirbhar self-sustainable, self-reliant not only in economy but in language also.
That is why, the Indian words, the Indian language, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav have been used. Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal later, enthralled the audience with a self-composed song on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Towards the close of the event, the Khmih Creative Arts Society, Nongstoin performed a traditional song in praise of the beautiful and rich culture of Meghalaya. Students of the Shillong Law College showcased the culture of the eight north eastern states of India, through various dance performances. A special performance by Lou Majaw was an added attraction to the entire event.
