Shillong, Nov. 06: The Department of Mass Media from the time of its inception has been organizing various festivals and art exhibitions. The continuous of this long-standing tradition, a Two-Days Fest, namely, “Manik Raitong: Festival of Legacy and Kinship†is being organized on the 3rd and 4th of November 2022. This two-day program is an initiative of the 5th Semester students of Media Technologies, Mass Media Department, St. Anthony’s College. The event aims to reignite the rich traditions- and celebrate the legacy that this region has inherited and invoke a sense of belonging among the populace of Shillong.
The first day of the event, i.e., 3rd November 2022, featured the inauguration of the program. It included prayer, music performance, and lighting of the lamp by our chief guest Mr. Raphael Warjri following his speech. The Principal, Br Albert L. Dkhar, of the College, and Dr. Etawanda Saiborne Department of Mass Media, also addressed the event. A stunning street play by the students took over the latter half of the event. The play was an adaptation of the Manik Raitong movie. Mr. Benedict Skhmelang Hynniewta graced the event with his soulful flute performance. The event then continued indoors with an interactive session with Mr. Benedict and Mr.Treiborlang Mawlong, moderated by Junisha Khongwir, assistant professor of the Mass Media Department. A cultural dance performance followed the interactive session by the students of the college.
The first day of the event was closed by the student coordinator of the Department of Mass Media, Melvin Dkhar, with a vote of thanks. Drawing inspiration from the legendary figure of Manik Raitong, an Art Exhibition is also
organized. Artworks of various genres such as modern art, abstract art, and many more are exhibited. The Art Exhibition is being displayed in the Conference Hall (IT-Media Annexe). The Art Exhibition was officially opened by Mr. Raphael Warjri the chief guest of the event, on 3rd November. To make the event more grandeur artworks of renowned artists such as Mario Pathaw, Treiborlang Mawlong, Federick D. Hynniewta, and Thomas M. Umlong are also on display in the gallery. Besides the above-mentioned artworks, the young budding artists of the Mass Media Department are also displaying their outstanding works of art. The art display will remain open till the evening of 4th November 2022.
The Manik Raitong Fest will bridge the gap between knowing and practicing the long-lost traditions by outlining and showcasing them through the various activities that will take place.
