Meghalaya CM expands research grant to 75 scholars to boost tribal studies

Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced that the Chief Minister's Research Grant will be expanded to support 75 scholars this year, aiming to boost research on the history, culture, and origins of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes.

Speaking on the second day of the Shillong Literary Festival 2025, Sangma said the festival has grown from a small event into a significant platform for literature, ideas, and creative exchange.

He suggested introducing a writing competition in the future to make writing an integral part of Meghalaya’s culture.

The Chief Minister highlighted that recent cultural investments had generated an estimated economic return of Rs 133 crore and reiterated his vision of establishing Shillong as India’s next hub for arts and literature.

He added that a dedicated team is already conducting detailed research on the state’s three major tribes.

Sangma also announced plans to revamp Ward's Lake, with Rs 20 crore already sanctioned and an additional Rs 30 crore expected.

The upgrades will include light displays showing Meghalaya’s history and permanent venues for year-round cultural events.

Day 2 of the Shillong Literary Festival 2025 saw book launches including River Traveller, Wad ia ka malade (Khasi), and From Isolation to Integration. In Life Beyond the Metro, actors Vinay Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, and filmmaker Dominic Sangma discussed challenges in Indian cinema and independent filmmaking.

A Garo Hills poetry session drew strong appreciation, while mountaineer Jamling Norgay revisited the Tenzing-Hillary Everest ascent, warning of growing risks.

Editor Patricia Mukhim emphasized that connectivity alone cannot integrate the Northeast.

Other sessions explored oral traditions, wartime journalism, marginalized narratives, second novel challenges, and featured Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka.