Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma participated in the 54th Annual Koch Conference held at Jatrakona in South Garo Hills, joining the Koch community in their cultural celebration. During the event, he addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous languages, specifically focusing on the Koch language.
Expressing his commitment to cultural preservation, CM Conrad K Sangma assured the Koch community that he would look into their suggestion of introducing the Koch language in schools located in Koch-dominated areas of Meghalaya. Recognizing the significance of language as a crucial aspect of cultural identity, this move aims to safeguard and promote the rich linguistic heritage of the Koch community.
Moreover, the Meghalaya Koch Association submitted a memorandum to CM Sangma, emphasizing the need for capacity-building initiatives for the Koch people and the preservation of their language. In response, the Chief Minister pledged to carefully examine the memorandum and take necessary actions to address the concerns raised by the community.
CM Conrad K Sangma also suggested various interventions aimed at empowering the youth of the Koch community. Initiatives such as PRIME (Programme for Revitalization of Indigenous and Endangered Languages), CM-ELEVATE (Chief Minister’s Energetic Vocational Advancement Training Endeavor), and YESS Meghalaya (Youth Employment and Self-Employment Scheme) were proposed to provide opportunities and support for the educational and professional development of Koch youth.
By actively engaging with the Koch community and considering their suggestions, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma demonstrates the government’s commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage and the empowerment of indigenous communities in Meghalaya. The initiatives proposed aim to create a conducive environment for the flourishing of the Koch language and the overall socio-economic development of the community.
