Sanbor Shullai moves for UNESCO tag to 'Whistling Village' of Konthong

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: BJP MLA from South Shillong, Sanbor Shullai met India's representative to the Executive Board in UNESCO ((United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Professor J.S Rajput at his residence in Greater Noida.

Shullai and sought his support to accord intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO to Kongthong popularly known as the 'Whistling Village'.

Located around 70 km from Shillong and nestled amidst the verdant lap of nature, Kongthong in Meghalaya is known as a whistling village for the typical communication method of its inhabitants. They use the unique technique of humming and tunes to reach out to each other.

The MLA has also requested Professor Rajput to visit Kongthong as early as possible so that the village can get global attention. Professor J.S Rajput has assured to take the matter to UNESCO through the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

In this regard Shullai also met Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Rakesh Sinha at his residence in New Delhi and expressed his gratitude for adopting Kongthong. The MP, who has hails from Bihar, assured all possible help to Kongthong village, adding that he already has initiated steps for sustainable livelihood and self-employment programme keeping intact the age-old rich cultural heritage of the masses in Konthong Village.

The MP also said that the country should learn from the Northeast regarding secularism and giving equal opportunity to the female gender.

Shullai informed that he has invited MP Rakesh Sinha to again visit his adopted village of Konthong. Sinha, who is also an Associate Professor in Delhi University, said that the villagers deserve better lif.

He also promised to mobilise additional resources from the governments in Delhi and Shillong for making Kongthong a real land of milk and honey. He visited Kongthong to celebrate the 72nd year of Republic Day. Pointing out the COSCO Village in Turkey has received the Heritage tag from UNESCO for similar ambience and communications through whistling sounds, Sinha asserted that there is no reason why our village of 700 people will be deprived of the tag.

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