Shillong, October 21: Pine Villa Homestay at Langkyrding, Lumshyiap, inaugurated its new annexe on Wednesday, expanding its accommodation facilities while seeking to promote local employment, showcase Khasi culture and provide visitors with a welcoming hospitality experience.
The homestay’s operator, Phibanroi Ïaw, encouraged young people to pursue work that reflects their interests and abilities, while acknowledging the challenges of unemployment and entrepreneurship.
“Keep doing what you do. Do what makes you happy,” she said.
Lumshyiap Rangbah Shnong A. P. Khongphai inaugurated the new annexe by cutting the ribbon in the presence of Shnong secretary Dr. K. P. Phawa, representatives of the Dorbar Shnong and members of the family running the establishment.
Ïaw, who hails from Shangpung, operates Pine Villa with the support of her parents. Her father, Gigur Myrthong, and other family members were present at the inauguration.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Phawa and included a prayer and an address by the Rangbah Shnong.
Khongphai commended Myrthong and his family for expanding the establishment, noting that locally run hospitality businesses could create employment opportunities and help residents support their families. He also urged the management to follow the rules of the Dorbar Shnong and maintain close cooperation with the local community.
Speaking to reporters, Ïaw said her vision for Pine Villa extended beyond providing accommodation. She hopes to create a welcoming space where guests can interact with one another, learn about local traditions and build friendships.
She said guest safety and comfort remained central to the establishment’s approach, adding that visitors from outside Meghalaya should feel respected and welcome.
“We must remember that we are all Indians,” she said, emphasising the importance of unity and mutual respect.
Ïaw said interactions with guests also provided opportunities to introduce them to Khasi traditions, including the community’s matrilineal system and food culture. Such exchanges, she added, could help visitors develop a better understanding of Khasi society and its way of life.
She expressed hope that these cultural interactions would strengthen relationships between residents and tourists while allowing visitors to experience Khasi warmth and hospitality.
The homestay also aims to cater to solo travellers, particularly young people who wish to explore new places but may struggle to find companions because of their friends’ work commitments, family responsibilities or other obligations.
Ïaw said she hoped Pine Villa would provide a comfortable environment where solo travellers could meet others, share experiences and enjoy a sense of companionship.
On the issue of unemployment, she acknowledged the difficulties faced by young jobseekers and said she understood the concerns of her generation.
She recognised that family support had helped her establish the venture, while noting that not everyone had access to similar resources or opportunities.
Nevertheless, she encouraged young people to explore livelihoods based on their skills and interests. With the internet providing greater access to information and platforms to showcase their work, she said, young people could explore new ideas and pursue opportunities beyond conventional employment.
Ïaw said Pine Villa also aimed to contribute to local employment by creating roles in guest services, housekeeping, gardening and maintenance.
While acknowledging that entrepreneurship involved considerable challenges and could not immediately resolve the problem of unemployment, she urged young people to remain committed to work they found meaningful.
Through its expansion, Pine Villa Homestay seeks to combine hospitality, cultural exchange and local employment while encouraging young people to explore opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations.
