Meghalaya’s Majestic Living Root Bridges: Emotional Journey of Heritage and Hope to UNESCO in Paris
Meghalaya Delegation Seeks UNESCO World Heritage Status for Living Root Bridges
In a significant cultural mission, a delegation from Meghalaya, led by Art and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, traveled to Paris to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status for the state’s iconic living root bridges. The delegation presented their case on Friday before Ernesto Ottone, Assistant Director-General at UNESCO Archives, aiming to spotlight these natural marvels that exemplify the union of human ingenuity and nature, cherished for centuries.
Minister Lyngdoh passionately articulated Meghalaya’s dedication to conservation and the unique traditions of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes. "The living root bridges are a testament to sustainable livability and a symbol of our commitment to global cultural cooperation," stated Lyngdoh.
The delegation also met with Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO, and Romania’s Ambassador. The discussions focused on strengthening ties between Meghalaya and UNESCO, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Lyngdoh expressed satisfaction with the productive exchange, emphasizing the global responsibility to protect unique cultural assets.
India’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, joined the Meghalaya team. The delegation was warmly received by senior UNESCO officials including Nicholas Jeffreys, Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management, and Omar Baig, Chief Information and Technology Officer. They toured the UNESCO Archives, which house over 30,000 hours of audio recordings and documents dating back to 1924. This visit provided insight into UNESCO’s historical role in intellectual cooperation.
Lyngdoh, accompanied by senior officials FR Kharkongor, Principal Secretary of the Department of Arts & Culture, and FM Dopth, Secretary of the same department, reaffirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to the cause. Their efforts align with UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace and understanding through cultural preservation.
Original Story https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/meghalaya-news/meghalaya-delegation-seeks-unesco-world-heritage-status-for-living-root-bridges-in-paris
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