Kanggui: In a major step towards cultural preservation, the newly formed Sadar Hills Television and Cinema Foundation has announced its plan to establish a dedicated Heritage Centre for the Kuki community in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district.
The foundation, known as SAHITCIF, was formally founded on August 19 at Molthang Village in Kangpokpi. Its first ever foundation meet was then held on August 22 at the Kangpokpi district headquarters where the plan for the heritage centre was officially declared.
According to the foundation, the proposed centre is envisioned as a multifaceted cultural hub. It will not be just a museum but an active institution for community engagement, education and creative production for future generations.
The foundation has shared full details of what the centre will include.
First, it will have a dedicated archive and gallery for protecting and showcasing historical artefacts, oral histories, traditional attire and age old customs of the Kuki people.
Second, it will house an academy for performing arts. This academy will serve as a training centre where younger generations can learn traditional music, indigenous instruments and folk dances.
Third, the centre will provide a research facility with resources and reference materials for scholars, historians and students who are undertaking academic and historical research on Kuki heritage and history.
Fourth, it will have a documentary and media production facility. This unit will support local filmmakers and creators to produce documentaries and visual media that explore the history, stories and contemporary life of the community.
SAHITCIF stated that preserving indigenous identity through both traditional practices and modern media is essential for the future. The foundation said it will begin the initial development stages of the heritage centre in the coming months.
To mark the formation of the foundation, a friendly football match was organised at Amigos Arena in Sapermeina. The match featured teams from the Kangpokpi Police Department, district level officers, Sadar Hills civil society organisations and the Sadar Hills film fraternity.
The event was supported by MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who attended the programme and assured her full support and commitment towards the establishment of the proposed heritage centre. Members of the film industry, arts and culture sector and other dignitaries also participated in the event.
The proposed centre is expected to become a landmark platform for cultural preservation, education and creative expression in the region.
