Shillong, Feb 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Mr. Conrad K Sangma, today unveiled the Commemorative Artistic Mural, inaugurated the refurbished U Soso Tham Auditorium and flagged off the Museum on Wheels at U Soso Tham premises.
The flag off was done in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, Minister, Arts and Culture, Shanbor Shullai, Chief Secretary, R V Suchiang, Principal Secretary, Dr P Shakil Ahammed and Commissioner & Secretary, Arts & Culture, Federick Roy Kharkongor.
Speaking during the occasion, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma while congratulating the Arts and Culture department for depicting the flora and fauna and the different cultural aspects of the State in the Artistic Mural said that the mural not only enhances the aesthetic look of the place but would serve as a Tourist attraction and help tourists and people understand and know the State better.
He also added that the U Soso Tham is an important place to host government and cultural programmes but it had not been renovated and refurbished in the past years. “It is a matter of pride that now we will be able to provide world class facilities in this refurbished auditorium,” he said.
The Chief Minister also informed that work is in progress to renovate and upgrade auditoriums at Tura and Jowai and other district headquarters in a phased manner. He also informed that the Shillong International Centre of Performing Arts and Culture (SICPAC) at Mawdiangdiang is also at the final stages of completion.
“While we preserve and showcase our cultural it is also important to ensure that we give space to our youngsters who are into performing arts to show their talents to the world,” he said adding that a number of programmes had been chalked out by the government for artists and musicians of the State as a part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the State.
But this could not be held because of the COVID situation but said that the government will do its best to push Arts & Culture and give our budding artists an opportunity to showcase their talents.
He also called upon all to maintain the assets in the State Central Library and other places of the State with a sense of ownership and belonging. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries also released a number of books pertaining to Statehood and Culture of the State. A number of musical performances lent a lively air to the occasion.
