Shillong (Meghalaya), May 15: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma laid the foundation stone for the Indigenous Cultural Centre of Seng Khasi Kmie, a socio-religious-cultural center of the indigenous Khasis belonging to the indigenous Khasi faith, at Mawkhar, here.
The ₹15 crore center is envisioned as a living gateway to the Khasi heritage, where traditions are not only displayed but actively practiced, passed on, and celebrated.
The CM emphasized that the center is not just a building but a foundation for a cultural movement that will preserve the community’s identity, rituals, beliefs, and way of life for generations to come. He highlighted the importance of promoting and conserving indigenous practices, stating that customs, rituals, language, and beliefs are living expressions of community identity.
The center will provide proper infrastructure for performing important rituals, which have been conducted in open spaces without proper infrastructure for over a century. Seng Khasi, founded on November 23, 1899, was established to protect the Khasi religion, customs, traditions, and culture, ensuring its distinct identity is preserved.
Sangma also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting different communities in preserving their rich heritage and culture. He mentioned the Chief Minister Research Fellowship initiative, which promotes research to document history and preserve traditions. The government has also sanctioned funds for cultural centers for other communities, including the Karbis, Rabha, Koch, and Hajong communities.
The project was conceptualized and envisioned by the community, with the government working hand-in-hand with them to ensure inclusivity. The center is expected to demonstrate and showcase Meghalaya’s rich culture to the world and enable youth to learn from elders and scholars.
