The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has requested the Meghalaya government to set up a dedicated public cultural centre at Khyndai Lad in Shillong to preserve the area’s historic name, cultural identity and legacy. Such a cultural centre, which the HYC has termed as “visionary and culturally rooted initiative”, would further enhance Shillong’s appeal as a cultural tourism destination, and also adhere to the philosophy of “Im Ka Kyrteng, Sah Ka Nam”. In a letter to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem urged for the creation of a public space that would serve both as a cultural monument and a community hub. The proposed centre will feature an open performance area for local artistes, designated outlets for traditional food and indigenous crafts, and interpretative installations highlighting the historical significance of Khyndailad.
Synrem said Khyndai Lad is not merely a commercial hub but a historic and cultural landmark of Shillong with a name and identity that is gradually being diluted. “The indigenous philosophy requires the name Khyndailad to be reflected not only on signboards, but through visible, functional and meaningful public spaces that tell its story to residents and visitors alike,” he said. “The center will serve multiple purposes. It will function as a cultural monument, educating tourists and visitors about the history, meaning and heritage of Khyndai Lad, while ensuring that its name continues to be respected and understood,” the HYC leader said Synrem further said a permanent performance space would provide Khasi and other indigenous artistes with a dignified platform to showcase music, dance, storytelling and folk traditions, thereby strengthening cultural continuity. Highlighting the economic potential of the proposal, he said designated stalls for traditional food, handloom, handicrafts and indigenous products would promote indigenous entrepreneurship and empower local entrepreneurs, particularly youth and women, while maintaining authenticity. The HYC president also said the center would encourage sustainable tourism and foster urban pride by transforming Khyndai Lad into a living cultural monument rather than a congested commercial zone.
