Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 138/13

SPECIAL PROGRAMME ON REGIONAL TRIBAL AND FOLK CULTURE HELD

Shillong, March 11, 2013: As a part of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Swami Vivekananda, a special programme on Regional Tribal and Folk Culture was organized on 11th March, 2013 at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Shillong. The Meghalaya Governor, Mr. R S Mooshahary was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

While addressing the gathering, Mr. R S Mooshahary stressed on the importance of preserving the rich cultural traditions of the tribal people of North East and the ability to respect ones society. He further informed that there are certain age old traditions which need to be discarded since everyday reformation and progress are taking place for the welfare of the society. However, even while preserving the traditions there are few good practices of the western world which should be accepted and added to the traditions without losing the identity, he added.

“Culture is dynamic concept and it changes as human being evolved”, asserted Mr. Mooshahary. He also spoke about the need of work culture in the region since the people especially the tribals are known for their slow work culture which does not help in this present situation. He insisted that people should learn the zeal from the missionaries for they inspire confidence in others with their sincerity and love of serving people.

Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Cherrapunjee, Swami Sumanasanandaji Maharaj, while delivering the contributions of “Ramakrishna Mission in bonding the Tribal Communities of North East” said that they are trying their best to reach out to people of the region who are deprived of the modern amenities. He also reiterated that this Mission helps people to love and promote their culture, faith and language for western culture is fast spreading in the region which if not taken care might tend to lose the identity of these tribes.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Vishwatmanandaji Maharaj, Coordinator Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Celebration, Belur Math, also spoke about the influence of television, media, and mobile phones on the tribal society and migrating to cities is one cause of concern for the fast disappearance of languages of some of these tribes. Swamiji urge the people to accept the progressive ideas and implement it without losing their identity.

Talk on “Welcome Treat of Khasi Culture” by Ms. Sweetymon Rynjah, Ex-Member of KHADC, Coordination of Khasi Customary Law, “Garo Marriage System” by Ms. Queenbala Marak, Assistant Professor, Dept of Anthropology, NEHU, “Nuances of Jaintia Culture” by Ms Silbi Passah and “The Uniqueness of the Manipuri Culture” by Mr. Munish Singh, Director, ICCR will be the main highlights of the daylong programme along with folk song, dance, quiz on tribal culture and skit on Swami Vivekananda.