The Himalayan region and its surrounding areas have been witnessing a surge in initiatives that promote cultural preservation, sustainable development, and community engagement. Two recent events, the HimSamwaad 2025 dialogue and the Spoken Sanskrit camp, highlight the region's efforts to address its unique challenges while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
The HimSamwaad 2025 dialogue was held in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, from June 23 to 25, and was organized by Sewa International, RIWATCH, and the Arunachal Pradesh Government. This national-level gathering brought together tribal elders, policymakers, academics, and community leaders to discuss the future of the Himalayas, culminating in the Itanagar Declaration, which emphasizes sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Shillong recently hosted a successful 10-day Spoken Sanskrit camp, jointly organized with Sanskrit Bharati. The camp enabled participants to converse in Sanskrit, promoting cultural preservation and appreciation, culminating in a solemn concluding ceremony, demonstrations of Sanskrit conversation skills, and addresses from dignitaries including Dr. Brahma Deb Ram Tiwari, Commissioner Secretary to the Governor among others. They highlighted the significance of Sanskrit in shaping India's cultural aspirations. Participants were encouraged to continue practicing Sanskrit, and the organizers hope to create a trend of speaking Sanskrit in day-to-day life.
Mawsynram, the world’s wettest place, is poised to become a global eco-tourism destination with the launch of the world’s first Rain Museum, a ₹35 crore project that promises to showcase the region’s unique relationship with rain. The museum will feature interactive exhibits on cloud formation, monsoon physics, and climate awareness, as well as live rain simulation zones that replicate Mawsynram’s dramatic monsoons. Rich Khasi cultural installations will highlight how rain has shaped local customs, housing styles, and way of life. A state-of-the-art meteorological research facility, equipped with advanced monitoring tools and collaborating with institutions like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will offer deep insights into rainfall science and climate change. As part of a broader eco-tourism initiative, the project aims to transform Mawsynram into a sustainable global travel destination, promoting new infrastructure, homestays, and eco-resorts, while creating employment opportunities and empowering local communities. With construction set to commence post-monsoon, the Rain Museum is expected to become a major attraction, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that combines nature, culture, and science.
Meghalaya recently celebrated National Handloom Day on August 7, 2025, with a special focus on its traditional Ryndia and Khasi handloom products, both of which have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Ryndia, a type of vegan silk also known as Eri silk, is produced from the Samia Cynthia Ricini silkworm and is handwoven by women weavers in the Ri-Bhoi district. The celebration highlighted the significant role of women in the handloom sector, with over 40,000 farmers and more than 42,000 individuals directly or indirectly engaged in the industry. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised Ryndia in his Mann Ki Baat program, highlighting its unique production process, sustainability, and craftsmanship. He emphasized that Eri Silk is not just a fabric but a heritage of Meghalaya, lovingly preserved by the Khasi community, and perfectly positioned to meet the growing global demand for eco-friendly products. With its GI tag recognition and global market potential, Ryndia silk is poised to shine on the international stage, preserving Meghalaya’s rich heritage and empowering local artisans. The state government launched initiatives to promote these traditional crafts, including a new website and the publication “Looms to Legacy,” further solidifying Ryndia’s place in the world of sustainable textiles.
Shillong: In a euphoric moment that will be etched in her memory forever, Rifiness Warjri, a 20-year-old NCC cadet from Meghalaya, triumphantly summited Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, on May 18, 2025. As part of the prestigious NCC Mount Everest Expedition 2025, Warjri was one of the 10 cadets from across the country who braved the daunting mountain, scaling its majestic 8,848-meter peak. The highlight of her Everest journey was carrying the Indian flag to the summit, a moment that filled her heart with immense pride and joy. “It was an honor to represent India and unfurl our national flag at the roof of the world,” Warjri exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with elation. With this remarkable achievement, Warjri has become the third woman from Meghalaya to conquer Everest, inspiring a new generation of young adventurers in her state and beyond. Her journey to the summit was marked by unwavering determination, rigorous training, and an unrelenting passion for mountaineering, all of which were honed through her association with the NCC. As Warjri basks in the glory of her achievement, she is already setting her sights on new horizons, with plans to conquer the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on all seven continents.
In a vibrant celebration of Northeast India's artistic richness, two major cultural events recently spotlighted talents from the region-one in Bengal's Santiniketan and the other in Goa. At the Ramkinker Baij Memorial Art Camp held at Prakriti Bhavan, Santiniketan, 14 artists from Shillong's Riti Academy of Visual Arts participated in an inspiring cultural exchange. Led by noted artist and cultural activist Bah Raphael Warjri, the event featured collaborative sessions with Santiniketan's Kala Bhavan artists. Raphael Warjri also released his publication Kot, based on Khasi myths and legends, and screened his acclaimed film Apot. Meanwhile, in Panaji, Goa, the Octave 2025 folk festival brought together performers from all eight Northeastern states. Among the performers was Silbi Passah, representing Meghalaya with a soulful folk presentation that captivated audiences. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who inaugurated the festival, praised the Northeast's cultural wealth and emphasized the need to protect traditional art forms. Together, these events reflect a growing recognition of Northeast India's deep cultural presence in different parts of India.
The first match, an international friendly, saw India triumph over Maldives with a convincing 3-0 victory on March 19! This win marked a significant milestone, snapping India's 489-day winless streak and handing new head coach Manolo Márquez his first victory! The stadium's 15,100-strong crowd created an unforgettable atmosphere, cheering on the Indian team with unbridled enthusiasm!
Just six days later, on March 25, the stadium witnessed another thrilling encounter as India clashed with Bangladesh in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round match! Although the result of this match is not specified, the event marked a momentous occasion for Shillong, which hosted international football matches for the first time!
These matches not only showcased India's footballing prowess but also highlighted Shillong's potential as a hub for international football! The stadium, having undergone significant renovations, has already hosted various domestic tournaments, including the Durand Cup and Indian Super League matches!
The success of these events is expected to have a lasting impact on the football culture in Meghalaya, inspiring young players and positioning Shillong as a premier destination for football enthusiasts in India!
The Shillong Literary Festival was held at Ward's Lake from November 18-20. The three-day festival featured authors like Prof Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Vikram Seth and Sanjoy Hazarika. Sessions included discussions on folklore, fiction, culture, and heritage, with a focus on Meghalaya's tangible and intangible heritage. The festival also included the launch of the Meghalaya Listing Document, which aims to protect and promote the culture and traditions of Meghalaya.
The Golpo Utsab (Story Festival) 2025 was held at Melarmath, Agartala, from February 8-9. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, Egye Chalo Sangha and Akhyaner Bikel. The grand opening ceremony of the literary festival was held on February 8, marking the beginning of a vibrant celebration of literature and culture. The event was graced by the presence of renowned novelist Amar Mitra as the chief guest, alongside a constellation of distinguished personalities. These included Dulal Ghosh, president of Akhyaner Bikel, Chanchal Nandi, president of Egye Chalo Sangha, Sumant Gupta, editor and Dr. Nirmal Das, director of Sahitya Akademi’s NECOL division, as well as Subrata Chakraborty, Cultural Advisor to the Government of Tripura. The festival brought together renowned writers, storytellers, and literature enthusiasts. The event featured story-reading sessions, literary discussions, and competitions, including a Pure Bengali Spelling Contest, Illustration Competition, and Story Writing Contest.
Meanwhile, in Dibrugarh, Assam, the International Literary Festival 2025 commenced at Dibrugarh University. The four-day festival, held from February 5-8, brought together distinguished writers and litterateurs from 25 countries. With”Africa" as its central theme, the festival aimed to celebrate diverse literary traditions and promote cross-cultural understanding. Over 50 sessions and workshops explored topics such as contemporary literature, translation studies, indigenous storytelling and global literary trends.
These literary festivals provided a platform for writers and literature enthusiasts to come together, share ideas, and celebrate the diversity of literature. They highlighted the importance of storytelling, cultural heritage, and cross-cultural understanding, and demonstrated the vibrant literary scene of the country that North East India is a part
Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, the president of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur Math and the Chief Minister of Assam Sri Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurated the newly constructed Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsadeva at the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama in Silchar on 18 March 2025 as a part of centenary celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama in Silchar. Addressing the gathering, the Assam CM said “ Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa stands as one of the most profound spiritual luminaries to emerge from India, whose significant contributions to society remain unparalleled."
“He not only enriched our eternal civilisation but also imparted timeless wisdom to the world," Sarma added. He highlighted the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission's universal spiritual movement, which has fostered humanity's spiritual renewal for over a century. He extended his heartfelt greetings to Swami Ganadhishananda and all those associated with this esteemed institution. The Chief Minister also announced in financial support to the institution, towards the government's commitment to spiritual and humanitarian causes.
Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the fact that Sri Sarma has thoroughly studied Vivekananda and has imbibed his ideas. He reminded everyone that the Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna is unique, as the worship doesn't end there, but rather spreads outside the temple through service to humanity. The temple also gives everyone a sense of spiritual awakening. Hence, whoever visits such a temple, whether in the country or abroad, this idea becomes implanted in them.
The Ramakrishna Mission, a beacon of spiritual and humanitarian service, has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals across the globe. In the heart of Barak Valley, Assam, the Silchar Ramakrishna Mission has stood as a testament to this legacy, completing 100 years of unwavering dedication. The profound and multifaceted impact on Barak valley is due to the services that included Spiritual Upliftment, Education and Empowerment, Healthcare and Well-being, Rural Development, Relief and Rehabilitation, Cultural Preservation, Social Harmony. From its humble beginnings to its present-day multifaceted activities, the Mission has become an integral part of the region’s cultural, social, and spiritual fabric.
