Shillong (Meghalaya), Jan 16: President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, today, in a public reception that was held at Mawphlang, virtually laid the foundation stone for Rural Tourism Accommodation in the villages of Khongtong , Mawlyngot and Kudengrim, the Shillong Peak Ropeway and also inaugurated two newly upgraded roads, Rongjeng Mangsang Adokgre Road and the Mairang Ranigodown Azra Road.
Also present during the reception in honour of the President’s maiden visit to Meghalaya were Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers, Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar , Minister, Agriculture etc Ampareen Lyngdoh and Minister, Tourism, Paul Lyngdoh.
Addressing the gathering, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, expressed happiness to meet the tribal people of Meghalaya. Admiring the Mawphlang Sacred Groves the President applauded the wisdom of the fore-fathers who understood and used the traditional concept of conserving nature. “We all should make serious efforts to preserve this kind of forest which is a treasure-house of biodiversity,” she said.
The President also said that that Meghalaya has been making a determined effort to emerge as a model state and offering a balanced approach to modernity and tradition. “With good FDI inflows, high exports and a dynamic demography Meghalaya is emerging as a growth leader and offers an inspiring story,” she said and also mentioned about local produce such as Lakadong turmeric and strawberries which she said are high in demand.
Talking about the various connectively related and developmental projects that were inaugurated during the occasion, the President was confident that the projects will improve connectivity and will enable Meghalaya to move ahead on the path of sustainable and inclusive development.
“’Since time immemorial tribal people have been the vanguard of environmental conservation based on indigenous knowledge culture and religious beliefs. practices can be good case studies of how there can be symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature,” she said and highlighted the role of women in conservation and climate control efforts. “It is well-documented that women are at the heart of the conservation efforts. Women in tribal societies have been showing the way in protecting the environment and sharing their wisdom and skills to enhance adaptation and mitigation of adverse climatic conditions,” she said.
She further said that there is a need to document local practices for effective conservation and management and by adopting a comprehensive and holistic approach of sustainable development and learning from ancient wisdom various challenges can be addressed to preserve the planet with all its natural bounties for future generations.
During his address, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, expressing gratitude to the President for her visit to the state and for virtually inauguration various projects said that the concept of Rural Tourism will offer the people of Meghalaya an opportunity to not only preserve the way of life but to showcase it to the world grounded in the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism.
CM Sangma also said that the government has set the ambitious target of making Meghalaya a 10 billion US dollar economy by 2028 and the tourism sector being a job multiplier will play a crucial role in to achieve the target and create sustainable livelihoods for the people of the state and showcase the natural beauty of our landscape to the rest of the world. He also highlighted various innovative steps taken by the State government to promote adventure tourism.
The Chief Minister also said that roads are a part of a much larger effort by the government to develop the infrastructure of our state. Stating that Meghalaya is taking the lead in preserving its 76%forest cover that will help combat climate change he thanked the communities that are at the forefront of this effort preserve and protect our forests.
The Chief Minister concluded saying the historic two-day visit to our state has been truly inspiring and motivating not only for the athletes, the youth, the women Self-Help Groups but for all 38 lakh Meghalayans who are in jubilation and are proud of your achievement as being the first President of India from our tribal communities.
Earlier the President was also given a demonstration by the Khongtong whistlers during her visit to the Heritage Village next to the Mawphlang Sacred Groves.
