Shillong: St. Xavier’s College in Umoid hosted a seminar Saturday to dissect Meghalaya’s tribal history and its fight for freedom. The Department of History organized the event to help students grasp their own cultural identity. It pushed past simple textbooks.
Author Daniel Stone Lyngdoh, who has penned 15 books, opened the floor with a talk on tribal roots. He argued that history is more than dusty data. "History as a living inheritance rather than a mere collection of facts," Lyngdoh said. He examined the matrilineal traditions, clan structures, and indigenous governance used by the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo peoples.
Dr. Sashi Teibor Laloo from Shillong Commerce College led the second session on anti-colonial resistance. He detailed the spread of British rule and the subsequent local uprisings. He credited leaders like U Tirot Sing Syiem, U Sngap Syiem, and U Kiang Nangbah for defending their territory. Laloo urged students to dig into archival evidence and practice critical thinking to better protect their regional heritage.
The day wrapped up with an interactive discussion. Faculty members challenged the attendees to connect their past to modern citizenship. They want students to use evidence to build a better future.
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