SHILLONG, MAR 27: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday launched Mission 1000, a targeted initiative aimed at eliminating malnutrition and stunting among children in Meghalaya.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the third edition of Culinary Cascade 2026 at Ward’s Lake. Emphasising the urgency of the issue, the Chief Minister described child nutrition as a matter “very close to my heart,” noting that malnutrition and stunting remain critical challenges for the state.
Mission 1000 will focus on monitoring every child from birth, delivering targeted nutritional interventions, and leveraging technology for continuous tracking and oversight.
Sangma also outlined plans to integrate the initiative with local food ecosystems by involving chefs, restaurants, and hospitality stakeholders in adopting villages or districts. The approach aims to promote locally sourced, nutrient-rich food while encouraging community participation and corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement.
The two-day festival, themed “Crafted for All 5 Senses,” is being held from March 27–28 and is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with Meghalayan Age Ltd., MyMeG, and the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program.
Highlighting the evolution of Culinary Cascade over the past three years, the Chief Minister said the festival has created opportunities for chefs, entrepreneurs, and youth while showcasing the state’s diverse cultural and culinary heritage.
“Our state has much to offer—its culture, music, cuisine, and natural beauty. The focus is on bringing these elements together and presenting them in a structured and consistent manner,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s tourism strategy, Sangma noted that Meghalaya has, over the past eight years, focused on refining existing initiatives, ensuring continuity, and building a strong brand identity.
He cited recent high-profile events, including the Indian Sailing League in Umiam, the Shillong International Film Festival, performances by Def Leppard, and an upcoming show by Russell Peters, as part of a broader effort to position Meghalaya as a premier destination.
Addressing criticism over expenditure on festivals, the Chief Minister stated that such events should be viewed as long-term investments in promoting the state.
“These are strategic investments in building the brand of Shillong and Meghalaya,” he said, citing the Cherry Blossom Festival as an example of a local event that has grown into a nationally recognised attraction.
He further stressed the need for structured planning and documentation, urging the Tourism Department to develop a clear calendar of events and maintain records through reports and publications to ensure sustained impact.
Earlier, Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Tourism, said the government has been working to strengthen Meghalaya’s brand by creating platforms that benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, and students.
Chef Ahmedaki Laloo, festival curator from A’ Origins, described Culinary Cascade 2026 as a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond a conventional food festival, while promoting the state’s hyper-local economy and fostering linkages between agriculture, food processing, hospitality, and tourism.
The festival features panel discussions, culinary demonstrations, product launches, and musical performances, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs, artists, and communities to showcase their talent and products.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Brenda L. Pakyntein, Director of Tourism.
