Shillong, Sept 04: Shri. F.R. Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary, Arts and Culture and Textiles, representing the State Government handing over the of Meghalaya’s Cultural artifacts and Textile Heritage for permanent display at Cultural Centre at Indian High Commission Dhaka at the symbolic programme, was held at the India-Bangladesh border at Dawki-Tamabil.
This is part of the ongoing celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, India@75, ensuing Golden Jubilee of Statehood, Meghalaya 50 yeards and to commemorate 50 years of Liberation of Bangladesh and Bilateral friendship.
A symbolic programme, was held at the India-Bangladesh border at Dawki-Tamabil, for handing over to the Indian High Commission, selected Meghalaya cultural artefacts and the state’s unique textiles, for permanent & dedicated display at the Cultural Centre, of the Indian High Commission at Dhaka to celebrate and showcase Meghalaya.
This follows a request made by the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Dhaka to the State Government earlier this year. At a brief function, held at the International border today, the Assistant High Commissioner, Sylhet thanked the Meghalaya Government for sharing the tribal artifacts and unique textiles to commemorate the 3 significant events.
A representative of the Bangladesh Government also spoke at the event and highlighted the age old ties and people to people contact that exist between Meghalaya & Bangladesh.
In his keynote address, Shri. F.R. Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary, Arts and Culture and Textiles, representing the State Government, expressed satisfaction, that this exchange could be held today despite challenges posed by COVID 19.
He emphasised on the significance, of the 3 events of India75, Meghalaya 5O and 5O years of bilateral friendship with Bangladesh and also highlighted at length Meghalaya’s contribution as a frontline line state, towards the liberation of Bangladesh & the States 5O years of Statehood.
He also highlighted that MEA had recently, been in touch with the State Government, with a request to identify a partner country, that has a historical resonance with Meghalaya.
The State Government had identified Bangladesh, in the context of U Tirot Singh, the States foremost freedom fighter, who was exiled by the British to Dhaka, after the Anglo-Khasi war, and breathed his last there on 17th July, 1835.
Accordingly, the State Government has proposed for MEA support for setting up of a Tirot Singh Memorial at the Cultural Centre, Indian High Commission, Dhaka, to honour the historical legacy of U Tirot Singh, besides various cultural and academic exchanges.
To leverage on the ongoing 3 significant events of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Golden Jubilee of Statehood and 5O years of Liberation of Bangladesh & bilateral friendships.
Other officials present, included SDO (Civil) Amlarem, Joint Secretary Arts & Culture, BSF and customs officials.
