Tura, August 05: The Preservation of Garo Cultural & Heritage Committee, Government of Meghalaya, has launched a State-wide initiative for the identification, verification, and documentation of the descendant families of the Garo Labour Corps personnel who served in the 69th and 84th Companies of the Indian Labour Corps during the First World War (1917–1919).
The initiative is being undertaken pursuant to the mandate entrusted to the Committee under Government of Meghalaya, Home (Political) Department Notification No. POL.23/2025/4 dated 3rd April, 2025, whereby the Government constituted the Preservation of Garo Cultural & Heritage Committee for the preservation, promotion, and safeguarding of the rich cultural, historical, and traditional heritage of the Garo people.
Subsequently, the Directorate of Arts & Culture, Government of Meghalaya, vide Notification No. DAC/ARCH/Heritage/18/2025/114 dated 15th December, 2025 and Notification No. DAC/ARCH/Heritage/18/2025/128 dated 27th February, 2026, constituted the Research Committee (Sub-Committee) and entrusted it with the responsibility of undertaking archival and field-based research, documentation, verification of historical records, identification of descendant families of the Garo Labour Corps, preservation of historical artefacts, preparation of scholarly publications, and such other assignments as may be entrusted by the Government from time to time.
In pursuance of the aforesaid mandate, the Committee has initiated an extensive programme of archival research and field verification for the preparation of an authentic Official Register of the Garo Labour Corps.
The research programme involves the systematic examination and cross-verification of official military records, archival repositories, historical publications, memorial inscriptions, genealogical records, and oral historical testimonies to reconstruct and preserve this significant chapter of Meghalaya’s history.
As part of the ongoing research, the Committee hereby appeals to all individuals and families who believe they are descendants of any member of the Garo Labour Corps to voluntarily come forward and submit relevant information and documentary evidence.
The participation of descendant families is essential to authenticate historical records, preserve family histories, and ensure that the contribution of the Garo Labour Corps is documented with historical accuracy and academic integrity.
Families are requested to furnish, wherever available, the name of the Garo Labour Corps personnel, company details, village of origin, family genealogy, names of present descendants, photographs, medals, certificates, correspondence, diaries, family records, land records, and any other documentary evidence relating to their ancestor’s service. Oral family histories and traditional narratives associated with the Garo Labour Corps are also welcomed as valuable historical sources.
All information received shall be carefully examined and authenticated through available historical sources, including the Nominal Roll and Casualty Register, official military records, archival repositories, memorial inscriptions, authenticated historical publications, and oral historical testimonies before incorporation into the Official Register.
The Committee emphasises that the information collected will be utilised exclusively for historical research, archival documentation, preservation of genealogical records, scholarly publications, educational purposes, and other heritage conservation initiatives undertaken in accordance with the Government’s mandate.
The Committee also solicits the cooperation of all Deputy Commissioners, District Administrations, Autonomous District Councils, Nokmas, Village Authorities, Traditional Institutions, Churches, Educational Institutions, Civil Society Organisations, historians, researchers, media organisations, and the general public in disseminating this appeal and assisting in the identification of descendant families throughout Meghalaya and neighbouring States.
The Garo Labour Corps occupies a distinguished place in the history of the Garo people and Meghalaya. Preserving this legacy is a collective responsibility. Every authenticated record, family history, and historical document received will contribute towards restoring an important chapter of history and ensuring that the sacrifices and services of the Garo Labour Corps receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.
