Programme held to celebrate Meghalaya's natural and cultural wealth

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems and the Department of Tourism and Travel Management of Martin Luther Christian University organized a programme entitled Natural and Cultural Heritage of Meghalaya - Seminar and Release of Publications on Tuesday at the MLCU campus at Nongrah, Shillong. The programme formed a part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the statehood of Meghalaya

The programme's objective is to celebrate, commemorate and understand the importance of the natural and cultural wealth of Meghalaya. It could not 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, Commissioner and Secretary, Government 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 graphs enables 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 Kharpran Daly which displayed the rich natural beauty of caves in our state. Speleology, which is the study of 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 Syiemlieh gave a presentation on iron smelting among the Khasis. This was followed by Dr Marco Mitri's carbon dating of archeological specimens 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.

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