Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 12: The Crystal Gayle Memorial Award Ceremony held today at Raj Bhavan was graced by Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Meghalaya in the presence of Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Arts and Culture.
The Crystal Memorial Award 2023 was bagged by Ian A Lyngdoh Nongkynrih for his innovative and original conceptualizations and productions of some creative properties, particularly the book Ficus Khasiana, Finding the Living Root Bridges and the television programme ‘A Day in the Village’, which are considered meritorious and commendable.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said that the need for a sustainable ambiance of art practice demands perpetual resources that the State government, patrons of art and influential persons of society should facilitate and support the initiative taken by Riti Academy. The apex authority on visual arts in the country, the Lalit Kala Akademi, could intervene in the matter and assuage a favourable consideration for the augmentation of art infrastructure and attention to professional career prospects in the region and Meghalaya in particular.
As part of the programme, Raphael Warjri, Chief Creative Director, Riti Academy declared that two awards were instituted in memory of stalwarts of culture and arts who had passed away recently.
The S Quotient Sumer Award and the Sumar Sing Sawian Awards are to be hosted during the first anniversary and both are legendary personalities who have contributed immensely to society.
S Quotient Sumer was a member of Sahitya Akademi and an expert on Kiang Nangbah with a wide range of knowledge of indigenous culture and traditions, while Sumar Sing Sawian was instrumental in the initiation of the Sohpetbneng pilgrimage, the Apphira Archery and was a renowned writer and cultural exponent.
As a mark of gratitude, Riti Academy felicitated Mrs. Riwotki Laloo, and her son Riquoma Rq Laloo for the endorsement on behalf of the family for the S Quotient Sumer Award and renowned author, Mrs. Bijoya Sawian, was felicitated for the endorsement on behalf of the family for the Sumar Sing Sawian Award.
