Shillong, Sept 30: Marking a major milestone in its cultural journey, the Riti Academy of Visual Arts celebrated its Coral Jubilee (35th Anniversary) by hosting the prestigious Annual Riti Academy Awards 2026 at Lok Bhavan. The grand ceremony was graced by the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, who attended as the Chief Guest.
He was joined by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri H.C. Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor; Shri F.R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Arts and Culture Department; and Smt. Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, Director of Arts and Culture. The event also featured the presence of eminent patrons and advisors, including former Ambassador and Riti Academy Advisor Mr. R.V. Warjri, and Chief Creative Director Mr. Raphael Warjri.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Vijayashankar lauded the unwavering dedication of the Riti Academy in recognizing, nurturing, and celebrating local creative talents. Emphasizing the vital role of the younger generation, the Governor remarked that today’s youth often surpass veteran standards across various creative disciplines, stressing the importance of actively integrating them into such cultural programs.
A central highlight of the day was the presentation of memorial awards, named in honor of notable cultural icons, handed out by the Governor alongside respective family patrons. The Prithpal Singh Sehdave ‘Ladi’ Memorial Award (Visual Arts) was conferred upon Mrs. Lalhming Mawii of Mizoram.
The Crystal Gayle Memorial Award (Music) was Awarded to Royalborn Suting of the Khmih Creative Society. The Sumar Sing Sawian Memorial Award (Performing Arts)was presented to Janai Nongkynrih. The S. Quotient Sumer Memorial Award (Media): was received by Aaron Lyngdoh. The Rana Kharkongor Memorial Award (Music) was given to Shibor Mawkon of the Pynter Orchestra.
During the deliberations, Shri F.R. Kharkongor highlighted the profound impact of the Riti Academy beyond awards ceremonies. He commended the institution for its pivotal role in executing major public artworks throughout Meghalaya, noting prominent installations such as the recently unveiled relief sculpture mural at the Information Technology Park in New Shillong.
Reinforcing this sentiment, Mr. R.V. Warjri drew attention to the Academy’s monumental historical sculptures commemorating the heroes of the historic Anglo-Khasi War (1829–1839). Crafted by Riti Academy’s sculptural team, towering monuments honoring freedom fighters Tirot Sing Syiem, Bormanik Syiem, and Sngap Sing Syiem—including the tallest statue standing at an impressive 24 feet—now proudly stand as the tallest commemorative monuments in the state.
