Shillong, Nov 16: The Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems and the Department of Tourism and Travel Management of Martin Luther Christian University organised a programme entitled Natural and Cultural Heritage of Meghalaya.
In the Seminar was also Release of Publications on November 16, 2021 at the MLCU campus at Nongrah, Shillong. The programme formed a part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of statehood of Meghalaya
Meghalaya, our beautiful state is well known for many unique features. To name a few, it is well praised for its scenic beauty, for housing the wettest place on earth, for its matrilineal system and others.
The unique features can be observed both in its natural environment and the cultural fabric of the people of Meghalaya. To add to this list is the cave systems that Meghalaya is blessed with. The recent geologic time scale named the Meghalayan Age has its origins in a cave in Meghalaya.
The programme’s objective is to celebrate, commemorate and understand the importance of the natural and cultural wealth of Meghalaya. It couldn’t be a better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Meghalaya’s statehood.
The chief guest, Dr David R Syiemlieh, former Chairman of UPSC released the magnificent book entitled Cave Pearls of Meghalaya Volume 3 edited by Thomas Arbenz. Thomas Arbenz, was present virtually for the programme.
The guest of honour, Dr D Vijay Kumar, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary Govt. of Meghalaya, released the posters on the Meghalayan Age prepared by Dr Glenn C Kharkongor.
The posters have been prepared separately for both adults and children. The posters with simple language, pictures and graphsenables an easy understanding of the subject.
Dr TK Kharbamon, Vice Chancellor of MLCU released a novel entitled The Pangs of Love written by Dr Brian D Kharpran Daly. The novel is set in a caving context.
A presentation on caving expeditions was passionately given by Dr Brian D KharpranDaly which displayed the rich natural beauty of caves in our state. Speleology, which is the studyof caves does not just end with the adventure of entering a cave but embodies many other important aspects as well.
One such importance of speleology is the flora and fauna of caves which are yet to be completely documented in Meghalaya. The release of the publications was followed by a seminar. Dr David R Syiemliehgave a presentation on Iron Smelting among the Khasis.
This was followed by Dr Marco Mitri’s carbon dating of archeologicalspecimens from megalithic sites in Meghalaya, another interesting facet of our culture in Meghalaya. The last presentation, by Dr Glenn C Kharkongor was on the Meghalayan Age.
