Shillong: Meghalaya is working to position itself as a state defined by cultural identity, community-led development, and emerging economic opportunities, officials said during an interactive session at Culinary Cascades held at Wards Lake.
The two-day festival, supported by Meghalaya Tourism, ran alongside Seeti 2.0, a culinary heritage immersion programme. Both platforms collaborated to discuss food, culture, and storytelling in the state.
Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Chairman and Managing Director of Meghalayan Age Ltd., said, "We have an amazing story. And this story needs to be told," adding that the state is leveraging platforms and collaborations to showcase its unique identity and opportunities. He referred to earlier initiatives such as the Meghalayan Age Festival and said the state aims to present itself as a hub of excellence, beauty, and opportunity.
On economic development, Kumar said Meghalaya's growth strategy is centred on agriculture and the services sector, with increasing focus on value addition, food processing, and tourism-led employment. "The state produces high-quality organic products such as Lakadong turmeric, premium pineapples, ginger, and strawberries, and is developing farm-to-market linkages through processing ecosystems involving farmers, entrepreneurs, and institutions," he said.
Kumar also spoke about skilling, citing examples such as international placements of nurses and collaborations in specialised agricultural practices. On tourism, he said, "We are expanding beyond established destinations and creating decentralised employment opportunities, while adopting a model of 'low footfall, low impact, high value tourism' to ensure sustainability."
He noted the importance of balancing economic growth with preservation of cultural identity. "We engage with the best and learn from the best, but while keeping our identity strong," he said. He cited the community-led nomination of Meghalaya's living root bridges for UNESCO World Heritage status, which involved 86 villages, as an example of participatory governance.
Moderating the session, Dilip Cherian, Image Guru and Litigation Landscaper, said, "Bringing leading chefs and hospitality voices to Meghalaya is a vote of confidence in what the state is capable of," adding that such platforms help integrate the state more closely with mainstream economic and cultural networks. He also said these initiatives show growing national confidence in Meghalaya's potential.
Seeti 2.0 has brought together around 50 of India's leading chefs, culinary experts, and storytellers for a five-day journey across Meghalaya, engaging with local communities, indigenous ingredients, and traditional food practices.
The initiative aims to position the Northeast more prominently within India's culinary narrative by enabling participants to experience, interpret, and amplify the region's food heritage.
Seeti 2.0 will conclude on March 31, while Culinary Cascades ended in Shillong on Saturday.