First open air amphitheatre inaugurated

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JULY 21: The 1^st Open Air Amphitheatre was officially inaugurated today by the Meghalaya Minister incharge Arts and Culture, etc, R V Lyngdoh at the Tribal Research Institute Campus, Mawlai Nongkwar, Shillong. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the local MLA, Embhahlang Syiemlieh, local MDC, P T Sawkmie, Additional Chief Secretary, P W Ingty, Vice President of Mawlai Town Dorbar,Kynsai M Lyngdoh, Headman of Mawlai Nongkwar, R R Thangkhiew and students of different schools of Mawlai.

Giving a brief report on the project, the Director of Arts & Culture, Matsiewdor War Nongbri, informed that the Government of Meghalaya had sanctioned Rs. 5.88 crores for construction of Amphitheatres at Shillong, Jowai and Tura. The Amphitheatre at Shillong was constructed by the Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation (MGCC) Limited from January 2015 and completed on February 2017 at a total cost of Rs. 1.96 crores.

Dedicating the amphitheatre to the people, the Minister said that with many great artists in the State, there is a felt need for good infrastructure and facilities so as to enable them to showcase their talents. Stating that lack of platform has hampered the growth of young talents in the State, the Minister said that with the construction of this facility, he hoped that talents can be nurtured and promoted in a big way. The Minister also called upon the people especially the youth to uphold their culture and tradition and promote their own traditional dance and music which is the essence of the tribal people. He invited all talented persons to take advantage of this amphitheatre and maintain it properly.

Presentation of cultural songs and dances of the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos added flavours to the inauguration ceremony.