Meghalaya cultural artefacts and unique textiles handed over for display at the cultural centre in Dhaka

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 4, 2021

As part of the ongoing celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, India@75, ensuing Golden Jubilee of Statehood, Meghalaya@50 and to commemorate 50 years of Liberation of Bangladesh & Bilateral friendship, a symbolic programme, was held at the India-Bangladesh border at Dawki-Tamabil, for handing over to the Indian High Commission, selected Meghalaya cultural artefacts & the state’s unique textiles, for permanent & dedicated display at the Cultural Centre, of the Indian High Commission at Dhaka to celebrate and showcase Meghalaya.

This follows a request made by the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Dhaka to the State Government earlier this year.

At a brief function, held at the International border today, the Assistant High Commissioner, Sylhet thanked the Meghalaya Government for sharing the tribal artifacts & unique textiles to commemorate the 3 significant events. A representative of the Bangladesh Government also spoke at the event and highlighted the age-old ties and people to people contact that exist between Meghalaya & Bangladesh.

In his keynote address, FR Kharkongor, Commissioner & Secretary, Arts & Culture & Textiles, representing the State Government, expressed satisfaction that this exchange could be held today despite challenges posed by COVID 19.

He emphasised on the significance of the 3 events of India@75, Meghalaya@5O & 5O years of bilateral friendship with Bangladesh and also highlighted at length Meghalaya’s contribution as a frontline state, towards the liberation of Bangladesh & the States 5O years of Statehood.

He also highlighted that MEA had recently been in touch with the state government, with a request to identify a partner country that has a historical resonance with Meghalaya.

The state government had identified Bangladesh, in the context of U Tirot Singh, the states foremost freedom fighter, who was exiled by the British to Dhaka, after the Anglo-Khasi war, & breathed his last there on 17th July, 1835.

Accordingly, the state government has proposed for MEA support for setting up of a Tirot Singh Memorial at the Cultural Centre, Indian High Commission, Dhaka, to honour the historical legacy of U Tirot Singh, besides various cultural & academic exchanges, to leverage on the ongoing 3 significant events of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Golden Jubilee of statehood & 5O years of Liberation of Bangladesh & bilateral friendships.

Other officials present included SDO (Civil) Amlarem, Joint Secretary Arts & Culture, BSF & customs officials.