Shillong, Nov 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today announced that the government would invest Rs 4,000 crore to develop tourism infrastructure, including hotels, homestays, and other amenities, to bolster the state’s tourism sector.
He made the announcement during the inaugural ceremony of the 4th Edition of the Shillong Literary Festival at Ward’s Lake, Shillong. The event saw the presence of prominent literary figures such as Shobhaa De, Vikram Seth—recipient of the Padma Shri—and others.
The Cherry Blossom festival has just concluded which was a success and more festivals are happening in the state which would help the state to boost tourism.
Reiterating the broader benefits of such festivals, Sangma stated that these festivals are investments in our people, uplifting them in various ways, particularly through tourism.
The primary goals of the literary festival are to provide a platform for Meghalaya’s writers to showcase their talent, foster collaboration with authors from across the country and the world, and inspire young people to embrace the art of reading and writing.
“We have encouraged schools to participate, as this can spark curiosity among students and nurture their creative potential,” Sangma added.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma emphasized the government’s efforts to address youth-related challenges through initiatives like the literary festival. “Meghalaya has a younger population compared to the rest of the country. We are working to ensure that reading and writing become integral to youth development activities,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of literature as a medium for documenting and researching the state’s rich cultural heritage. He discussed the CM’s Scholars Program, which supports 50 research scholars in documenting various aspects of Meghalaya’s culture and society.
