Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Inaugurates Meghalayan Age Pavilion at Shillong’s Ward’s Lake to Promote Local Products and Tourism

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Meghalayan Age Pavilion at Ward’s Lake in Shillong on Tuesday.

Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, officials of Urban Affairs, Tourism and MTDC, and a host of entrepreneurs, designers and SHGs were present at the inauguration.

The Meghalayan Age Pavilion is a dedicated space that provides a platform for local talent and local produce, linking finance, value addition, markets, tourism and sustainable livelihoods.

The MAL Store at the Pavilion brings Meghalaya’s food, textiles, crafts and agricultural produce to one permanent market in the capital, offering tourists and citizens a curated experience of the State under one roof.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sangma termed the Pavilion as not just a building, but an experience of Meghalaya.

Recalling his early memory of local wines being sold in reused beer bottles covered with cloth and rubber band in shabby packaging, the Chief Minister said that moment triggered the thought – “Why can’t we just do things differently?”

“That simple thought started a journey. We created a Wine Policy to promote homegrown fruits grown by our farmers. We created incubation centres, gave training in winemaking and quality control, and gave financial and policy support through PRIME. Today, to see that store up there with all our local wines made by our own entrepreneurs is an amazing story of where we have come from and where we can go if we have the will and determination,” he said.

The Chief Minister said today’s inauguration is not about a building.

“It is a story and a celebration of our youth, a celebration of our entrepreneurs, a celebration of our farmers, and a celebration of Meghalaya. Every single store, every single product you see here has a story. It breathes Meghalaya,” he said.

Sharing the story of value addition, he said, “I had a small spoon of ice cream from a store here. I thought it was normal ice cream. But it is made by our entrepreneurs right here in Meghalaya, using Lakadong turmeric, pineapple and other produce grown by our farmers. That is the kind of story in each of these stores.”

He said all stores in the Pavilion are PRIME entrepreneurs supported by the Government of Meghalaya.

The Government has provided the space at a highly discounted rate with a six-month to one-year rent-free period to support startups.

The Meghalayan Store brings products from different parts of the state – made by Self Help Groups, farmers and youth from interior locations – to a prime location in Shillong.

Highlighting the tourism focus, the Chief Minister said the Meghalayan Age Pavilion is designed to become one of the most visited locations in Meghalaya and will completely change the tourist experience in the heart of the capital.

He informed that the entire Ward’s Lake area is being developed. “The iconic bridge will be reinforced and renovated without changing its design. Water treatment is underway – water is being filtered, cleaned and put back into the lake to make it crystal clear. Lighting, small amphitheatre and performance spaces are being created”, he added.

He also informed that every evening, there will be an MGMP – Meghalayan Age Music Programme at the Pavilion. “This will provide a livelihood platform for artists, singers and musicians, and an authentic cultural experience for tourists. The space will remain open till late evening for dining, shopping, wine tasting and music.”

On similar lines, pavilions and experience stores will be developed at Barik Point, Polo Riverfront, Umiam – near the boating area, New Shillong Secretariat area with the upcoming Unity Mall (20 times bigger than the current Pavilion), and in Tura, Nongpoh, Jowai, Nongstoin, Williamnagar and Baghmara.

“We are going to really go up in terms of standards. When you walk through these corridors here, it really feels different. You wouldn’t have expected a place like this in Shillong. But we did it,” he said.

Responding to critics, the Chief Minister said, “We prefer to speak less and act more. Without giving speeches, this Pavilion is our answer. You see the variety of products – it shows what is happening in Meghalaya.”

He credited the transformation to Team Meghalaya – officers, engineers, Chief Secretary, IAS and MCS officers, designers, contractors and entrepreneurs.

“Vision is not enough. The biggest quality is the drive to say ‘I will get it done’. I am lucky to have such a team. As a Government, we allow the system to work, we trust our youth, our entrepreneurs and our officials and give them freedom,” he said.

He also lauded designer Daniel for his work on Ryndia, explaining the complex supply chain – from farmers rearing cocoons, to weavers, to natural dyeing techniques to ensure colour fastness – a process that took months of research and development.

Reiterating his guiding principle, the Chief Minister said, “I must do something every day that makes a difference in people’s lives. It could be signing a file that gives someone a scheme, or giving someone a smile and confidence. If we work with that motto, nobody can stop Meghalaya from being a leader – in sports, music, fashion, agriculture and governance – and show the way what a small tribal state can do.”

The Pavilion houses wine stores, coffee shops, food stalls, textile and craft stores, including Ryndia fashion, and food products such as local ice creams and Lakadong turmeric.