The traditional Rongkusi Festival was celebrated with cultural vibrancy and developmental optimism at Amkoi Playground under Amlarem Sub-Division, West Jaintia Hills District. Organised by the Dorbar Shnong Amkoi, the programme brought together community leaders, youth, women’s groups and senior government functionaries in a celebration of heritage and progress.
The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, attended as Chief Guest, while Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister I/C Education Department, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Also present were Stephanson Mukhim, Former MLA of 7-Amlarem Constituency; Madam Vevotolu Kezo, SDO (Civil), Amlarem; Shri T.R. Suchen; Shri Hopefull Bamon, Ex-MLA, Saipung Constituency; headmen of neighbouring villages and other dignitaries.
Rongkusi is a traditional indigenous festival of the Hynniewtrep community symbolising thanksgiving, unity and the preservation of ancestral customs. The festival showcases traditional dance, music and community rituals that reflect the cultural identity and collective spirit of the people. Speakers noted that such celebrations play a vital role in transmitting heritage and values to future generations while strengthening social cohesion within the shnong.
The programme began with a bouquet presentation by SHG Amkoi, followed by a welcome song by students of SSA Upper Primary School, Government Lower Primary School and SSA Lower Primary School. Shri Aibor Lamin, Headman of Amkoi, in his welcome address expressed gratitude to the Government and highlighted the village’s developmental aspirations.
During the programme, memorandums were submitted by the Village Dorbar, SHGs and local stakeholders outlining pressing developmental needs, including:
Construction of the Amkoi–Shnongpdeng road to improve connectivity and reduce travel distance towards Dawki and tourism corridors.
• Inclusion and upgradation of the Nongbareh Lyntiar–Amkoi road under the Public Works Department (PWD).
• Development of the village football ground, including retaining wall and gallery construction.
• Construction of a new building for the Government L.P. School, subject to availability of suitable land.
The memorandums highlighted that improved road connectivity would substantially reduce transportation costs, ease the movement of agricultural produce, enhance access to markets and unlock the tourism potential of the Ri-War belt, particularly given its proximity to the internationally recognised Wah Amngot river region.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that this was his first visit to Amkoi and lauded the Dorbar Shnong for preserving the cultural heritage of the region. He acknowledged the challenges posed by inadequate road infrastructure and the need to bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas.
Responding to the memorandum, he announced that the proposal for construction of the Amkoi–Shnongpdeng road is approved in principle. He assured that necessary sanction and procedural steps would be initiated, provided that local landowners cooperate by making land available for the project.
He emphasised that infrastructure development is a shared responsibility and cannot be implemented without community participation. Urging landowners to come forward in the larger interest of the shnong, he stated that such projects would benefit not only the present generation but also future generations through enhanced economic opportunities and improved mobility.
The Deputy Chief Minister further directed concerned officials to coordinate with the PWD regarding the inclusion and strengthening of the Nongbareh Lyntiar–Amkoi road. He highlighted the immense tourism potential of the Ri-War region and reiterated the Government’s commitment to balanced development in remote and border areas.
He also encouraged parents and youth to explore opportunities beyond traditional employment pathways, including tourism, entrepreneurship, sports and skill-based sectors, noting that several government schemes provide substantial subsidy support and incentives for youth development.
In his speech, the Minister I/C Education emphasised that unity, forgiveness and collective responsibility are essential foundations for progress. He called upon villagers to maintain harmony and cooperation to ensure that development initiatives are successfully implemented.
Addressing the school infrastructure demand, he noted that while certain approvals have been processed at the State level, availability of land remains a crucial requirement for project execution. He appealed to landowners to extend cooperation so that educational and other public infrastructure projects do not remain stalled.
The Minister further highlighted the Government’s efforts to simplify access to schemes through online platforms, enabling youth even in remote villages to apply directly. He encouraged students to pursue education with confidence and take advantage of scholarship and financial assistance schemes aimed at inclusive growth.
The programme concluded with the unveiling of memorial stones for the Madan Bol Amkoi and the Amkoi–Nongbareh Lyntiar road (2013–2014) by the Chief Guest.
The celebration of Rongkusi thus served as both a reaffirmation of cultural identity and a milestone in Amkoi’s developmental journey, with assurances of road connectivity and infrastructure advancement contingent upon collective community cooperation and land contribution for public purposes.
