Meghalaya CM inaugurates refurbished U Soso Tham auditorium

Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday unveiled a commemorative artistic mural, inaugurated the refurbished U Soso Tham Auditorium and flagged off Museum on Wheels at U Soso Tham premises.

The event was organised by Arts and Culture Department and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Minister of Arts & Culture Shanbor Shullai, Chief Secretary R V Suchiang, Principal Secretary Dr P Shakil Ahammed and Commissioner & Secretary, Arts & Culture Federick Roy Kharkongor were also present. 

Lauding the department for depicting the flora and fauna and the different cultural aspects of the state in the mural, Sangma said the mural not only enhances the aesthetic look of the place but would also serve as a tourist attraction and help them know the state better.

Sangma said the U Soso Tham is an important place to host government and cultural programmes but it hadn’t been renovated and refurbished in the past. “It is a matter of pride that now we will be able to provide world-class facilities in this refurbished auditorium,” he said.

The CM also informed that work is in progress to renovate and upgrade auditoriums at Tura and Jowai and other district headquarters in a phased manner. He also informed that the Shillong International Centre of Performing Arts and Culture (SICPAC) at Mawdiangdiang is also in the final stages of completion. 

“While we preserve and showcase our cultural, it is also important to ensure that we give space to our youngsters who are into performing arts to show their talents to the world,” he said.

Adding that a number of programmes had been chalked out by the government for artists and musicians of the state as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration, Sangma said those could not be held because of the COVID-19 situation.

Sangma also called upon all to maintain the assets in the state central library and other places of the state with a sense of ownership and belonging.

The CM and other dignitaries also released a number of books pertaining to statehood and the culture of the state. A number of musical performances lent a lively air to the occasion.

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