Shillong, October 23, 2025: The Centre for Historical Research, Synod College (CHRSC), Shillong, organised a Two-Day National Seminar on “Shadows of 1975: The Emergency and Meghalaya’s Journey as a Young State” on 23rd–24th October 2025, with support from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant, Government of Meghalaya.
The seminar brought together eminent scholars, journalists, diplomats, civil society leaders, and students to mark fifty years since the Emergency of 1975 and to reflect on its impact on Meghalaya’s political and social evolution.
The inaugural function, held at the Synod College Auditorium, was graced by Shri Sanbor Shullai, Cabinet Minister, Government of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by Dr. Kerlihok Lyngdoh Buam, Head, Department of History. Dr. Gayreen Lyngdoh, Principal, delivered the Welcome Address, while Dr. David Arnold Kharchandy, Secretary, CHRSC, introduced the seminar theme. The occasion also witnessed the formal opening of the 1975 Emergency Photo Gallery.
The two-day programme featured three special roundtables and two paper presentation sessions, held in both offline and online modes. Speakers from NEHU, IIM Shillong, St. Edmund’s College, St. Anthony’s College, and other institutions shared insights on themes such as the Emergency, autonomy, media freedom, and democratic resilience.
Highlights of the seminar included a student debate competition, the screening of an official short film on the Emergency produced by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the Emergency Photo Gallery curated by CHRSC.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. David Arnold Kharchandy emphasised that the seminar served not only as a platform for scholarly reflection but also as a reaffirmation of Meghalaya’s enduring commitment to democratic ethos and constitutional values.
