The Meghalaya Society for Cultural and Folklore (MeS CaF) in collaboration with the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong and Kiang Nangbah Government College, Jowai celebrated World Folklore Day on August 22, at District Library Auditorium, Mynthong, Jowai.
The occasion was graced by the Daloi of Elaka Jowai, Puramon Kynjing, as Chief Guest and Wanphrang Gassah District Librarian the Guest of Honour. The occasion also witness the presence of Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang, Hercules Toi, Principal KNGC, Dr. Rimika Lanong, Executive Member, Pynjanai Mallai President and Barikupar Paswett, General Secretary of MeSCaF.
Speaking as Chief Guest, Kynjing highlighted the importance of preserving Meghalya’s indigenous languages, music, songs, dances and traditional practices handed down through generations. He said that the people of Meghalaya are fortunate to possess such rich cultural heritage and stressed the need to actively practice and preserve these traditions.
He urged the younger generation, especially school students to value and make proper use of the knowledge and skills inherited from their ancestors, describing them as valuable gifts and talents that can be used to serve the society. He also emphasized the importance of love and respect for language, culture and traditional practices.
District Librarian, Gassah stressed the importance of keeping cultural traditions alive while embracing modern progress. He highlighted the role of younger generation in learning and carrying forward traditional songs, languages, stories, art and customs.
“Folklore is not only about our past, it is also a bridge to our future, ” he said, emphasising the need to preserve cultural heritage for generations to come.
Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang said the Meghalaya Society for Cultural and Folklore (MeSCaF) despite being a young, and today marks one year of establishment, the MeSCaF has already undertaken programmes in Shillong and in Jowai this year with plans to extend activities to other parts of Meghalaya.
He stressed that folklore should not merely be given acedemic recognition or treated as a subject but that greater effort should be made to nurture, promote the traditional skill, custom and cultural practices of the people
Dr. R Lanong spoke about the origin and significance of folklore, noting that the term “Folklore” was coined by English Scholar William Thoms in 1864. She highlighted folklore as an important means of preserving the traditional beliefs, stories, songs and cultural identify passed down through generations.
Hercules Toi in his welcomed address highlighted folklore as, a living memory that shapes community identity. He stressed the relevance under the National Education Policy (NEP) particularly in promoting indigenous knowledge system.
The event featured various activities to promote the rich folklore, cultural traditions, oral narrative and heritage of Meghalaya.
