Kongthong village awarded spl artistic plaques for its unique culture

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 14, 2021

Kongthong, popularly known as the whistling village, was awarded two special artistic plaques as a mark of recognition of the unique cultural practise. 

The plaques were awarded by the Arts & Culture department and Tourism department to the village authorities and to the custodians of Kongthong during a special programme held as part to commemorate the ensuing “Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas” –Tribal Pride Week being launched 15th November, to recognize the valiant efforts of tribal freedom fighters.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner& Secretary in-charge Arts & Culture FR Kharkongor lauded the Kongthong village for its unique cultural practice & acclaim earned through cultural tourism.

He informed that the department has already produced a specially composed freedom song composed in folk fusion style extolling and celebrating the three brave hearts of Meghalaya-U Tirot Singh, U Kiang Nongbah & Pa Togan Sangma, representing Khasi, Jaintia & Garo tribes alongwith other unsung heroes.

Kharkongor also informed that in active collaboration with the  ICCR, the Department is at an advanced stage of preparation of a Special docuseries –“Revisiting The Warrior Heroes of Meghalaya”, an audio-video docu drama based on the 3 Warrior Heroes of Meghalaya which will revisit the heroic lives and their brave exploits against the colonial powers which will be showcased on social media, audio-video and all platforms  with a view to honour, celebrate ,ignite and inspire the present generation about the exploits of our Tribal Bravehearts, with a view to further celebrate  the ensuing  Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas”

To recognize the unique cultural practise of “Jingrwai Iawbei” or musical name calling of Kongthong Village which also has earned the village a distinction of being India’s nominee as “Best Tourism Village”to the UNWTO, the various departments and stakeholders are collaborating in the present period by organizing several activities at Kongthong village to highlight &recognize its unique cultural practise ,which has earned it several accolades within the state and also at International levels.

The NIFT prepared 75 flags and distributed it to the performers as part of Azadi Ka Mahotsav. 

Besides 50 flags to the village authorities to mark the States Golden Jubilee. 

The CRPF also arranged for 75 saplings, which were symbolically planted all over the village as part of India@75. 

The Martin Luther Christian University(MLCU) anchored a lively & participative workshop on Sustainable Tourism/Sustainable Livelihoods & Intangible Heritage for the Village authorities & the village Tourism entrepreneurs as part of Village@75. 

Other key highlights also included ensemble performances & cultural demonstrations of Jingrwai Iawbei-musical name calling, personalized song names &tunes by the 75 performers& children of the Indigeneous Agro Tourism Cooperative Society of Kongthong.

It was also highlighted that the State Level Tribal Dance, Art& Craft, Costume ,Tribal Freedom Fighter Memorial functions& special publications have already been planned and will be organized and rolled out in the week leading to January 21, 2022 ,coinciding with the State’s Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2022.

Others who spoke included IG CRPF,Sonal Mishra,Previous VC & current VCs MLCU ,Dr V.Darlong & Dr.T.K.Kharbamon &  Rathel Khongsit from Kongthong. A.Das Director NIFT was also present at the special function.