Shillong: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday emphasised the importance of traditional tribal youth organisations for carrying forward community heritage to the future.“The youth of the society is the most critical section and the different traditional youth organisations like the Seng Samlas are important not only for the future but for the present time of our state,” he said after inaugurating a traditional Khasi mural at Rymbai Fuel Station, Mawlai Mawiong Rim in the city.
Speaking during the occasion, he congratulated the Seng Samla (youth organisation), Mawlai Pyllun, on achieving the milestone of twenty years of service and contribution to the people of the Mawlai area.Expressing his happiness, the CM said, “The mural beautifully captures and celebrates the rich heritage, traditions, and cultural essence of the Khasi community”.The CM said there were “certain principles” that drive the way of working of the govt and the “most important” of them was to ensure that different sections of the society were taken care of.Conrad also urged the youths to take advantage of the programmes and schemes of the state govt which are meant specifically for the youth of the state for their development, uplift and engagement while providing the necessary skills, platform and opportunities.“The message that I would like to give today not only to the youth of Mawlai but the entire state is that the world today is very competitive and while we have our constitutional provisions to safeguard our rights, let us not be complacent but prepare ourselves to compete with the best in the world,” he said.“I hope this anniversary celebration of Seng Samla, Mawlai Pyllun will motivate our youth to be that change,” the CM said.Concluding his address, Sangma said the traditional mural showcasing the culture of the Khasis will also serve as a visual appeal and a “lively welcome” for the tourists entering Shillong.Memoranda by the Dorbar Shnong (traditional grassroots administrative organization) and Seng Samla organisations of the locality, raising some concerns and needs of Mawlai area were also presented to the CM during the occasion.
