The Meghalaya State Bamboo Mission (MSBM) celebrated World Bamboo Day 2026 at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Mawdiangdiang, bringing together students, grassroots bamboo champions, artisans, entrepreneurs and community representatives to highlight bamboo’s role in livelihoods, conservation and sustainable development.
A key highlight was the recognition of six grassroots bamboo champions: Smt. Isabella Pakma, handicraft entrepreneur and community leader from West Jaiñtia Hills; Babu Kular Khongjrem, President, Tourism Promoters Trekking Society, Wahkhen; Morningstar Khongthaw, Founder, Living Bridge Foundation; Rajasimla Rongdal A·timbo Community Bamboo Reserve, North Garo Hills; Brithing C. Marak, bamboo artisan and entrepreneur; and Blastine Sangma, bamboo artisan known for traditional crafts, musical instruments and innovative bamboo products.
The celebration began with a symbolic bamboo plantation and the inauguration of stalls showcasing bamboo products, crafts and innovations.
In his opening remarks, Mr Aiban Swer, Director, Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), reflected on bamboo’s deep connection with Khasi life and tradition, from its traditional use at birth to burial, and how it continues to remain part of everyday life through construction, household products, furnishings, accessories and clothing.
Prof. Lakhon Kma, Registrar in-charge, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), highlighted bamboo’s ecological importance, including its role in soil conservation, watershed protection and reducing erosion, while calling for greater awareness among young people on its sustainable potential.
A major part of the programme focused on experience sharing by grassroots practitioners. Babu Kular Khongjrem spoke about the Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek and how bamboo, traditional knowledge and community participation have supported sustainable tourism. Smt. Isabella Pakma shared her experience in handicrafts and women-led livelihoods, while Padma Shri Hally War spoke on environmental conservation. The Rajasimla Rongdal A·timbo Community Bamboo Reserve shared its community-led conservation experience, while Morningstar Khongthaw spoke on traditional construction, conservation and indigenous knowledge.
The programme also saw participation from students of St. Anthony’s College, St. Edmund’s College, IHM and the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH), giving young people an opportunity to interact with bamboo practitioners and understand its potential for livelihoods, innovation and conservation.
Brief sessions also highlighted bamboo value chains, the Bamboo Residency Programme, biochar, certification and entrepreneurship under CM-Elevate.
The celebration concluded with a traditional Khasi musical performance featuring bamboo instruments by Pateng Band, reinforcing the message that bamboo remains deeply rooted in Meghalaya’s culture while continuing to create new opportunities for the future.
