HT Bureau
DIPHU, Dec 15: The Hill People Cultural Forum (HPCF), representing the culture of the 26 tribes and communities of Karbi Anglong, celebrated its 8th foundation day at Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) memorial town hall on Friday.
The event showcased the rich culture of the various tribes and communities, spreading the message of national integrity through culture.
The representatives of 26 tribes and communities, including Karbi, Dimasa, Rengma Naga, Kuki, Tisa, Garo, Man Tai-Speaking, Bodo, Hmar, Khasi, Tai Ahom, Assamese, Mech Kachari, Thengal Kachari, Mizo, Chakma, Sakachep, Dumra Karbi, Meetei, Gorkha, Adivasi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Marwari, Sikh, and Odia, participated in the celebration.
The festivities began with the felicitation of the chief guest, chief executive member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, and other dignitaries. The HPCF presented traditional gamochas and jackets to the guests, along with a memento to the CEM.
To mark the celebration, the CEM cut the cake prepared by HPCF, and a synchronised peace dance by HPCF cultural troupes showcased the diverse cultural dances of the 26 tribes and communities.
In his speech, the CEM praised the efforts of Laichan Engleng and Dhiraj Diphusa for uniting various tribes and communities under the HPCF platform through culture. He emphasized the importance of cultural unity and diversity in fostering peace and national integrity.
“I thanked Laichan Engleng and Dhiraj Diphusa for their effort in uniting various tribes and communities living in Karbi Anglong through cultural unity and diversity. There is no use of having enmity with each other. We all as brothers and sisters should try to live together. Despite differences in language, culture, caste and religion, there is a peace in Karbi Anglong. Through this unity we are building up national integrity,” Tuliram added.
The CEM announced an increase in the budget provision for the HPCF foundation day from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh starting from 2024.
He also highlighted the KAAC’s increased budget allocations for cultural and literary purposes, including the annual Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) and the conference of Karbi Lammet Amei (KLA).
The celebration was attended by executive member (EM) Amarsing Tisso, Surjyo Rongphar, member of Autonomous Council (MAC) Avijit Kro, Headsing Rongphar, Johny Timung, HPCF chairman Laichan Engleng, secretary General Dhiraj Diphusa, advisers MAC Phengpiga Rengma and Dr Mongve Rongpi, and other advisers Tongthang Touthang, Selawar Bey, and founding member and president of KSA Thomson Rongpi.
