Shillong, Mar 14: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, today in a function of Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, Season 2, held at Marriot Shillong, felicitated and recognized artists who have been pursuing music for over 15 years.

Also present during the event as Special Guest was Bollywood star and youth icon, John Abraham.

Speaking during the award ceremony, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, recalling the moments of his passion about Music in his youthful days said that those days of aspiration, struggles and dreams have left a lasting impression on his mind. “Every time I try to make plans and policies I connect back to those days and try to give the youth of today the platform, support and guidance that we did not receive back in our times,” he said. He added that the MGMP is one of the very satisfying programs because the impact it has made in the lives of young musicians and the youth is visible.

He also added that the music scene in the present days is different from what it used to be years before as now there is technology and platforms to learn music. “I want our young musicians to take the help of technology and take your music to a new level,” he said. He also added that most of the youth are naturally talented musicians however if these musicians needed to be guided in a professional manner. “MGMP besides providing the youth a platform to the young artists also can provide them with the skills and knowledge of reading and writing music so that our musicians can perform the way it is dine in the international level,” he said. He added that this would give a touch of professionalism to music.

The Chief Minister also mooted of the idea to support musicians with finance to buy musical instruments.

“There can be a selection committee and through proper selection process deserving musicians can be given the financial assistance,” he added. He also said that the MGMP needs to be broadened through different interventions like financial assistance, supporting music clubs at the grassroots etc.

In a heartwarming moment the Chief Minister also promised an Ibanez guitar to a differently abled musician who had performed during the occasion and on the sidelines had voiced his desire to the Chief Minister to own such a guitar.

Assuring that MGMP will be a continuous program, the Chief Minister urged the musicians to leverage upon their fan base and spread the right messages of social causes like anti-drugs, cleanliness, environment etc.

Special Guest, John Abraham, said that what the government is doing to give platform to sports persons and musicians and the youth in general is impressive. Addressing the artists, he said, “Keep living your dreams and understand that you are very fortunate for we never had this kind of support system and guidance.”

The Chief Minister and the other dignitaries felicitated Tengnang Sangma, Gracyl Ropmay, Starly Shullai, Felix Langsteih, Cinda Sangma, Amabel Susgni and Desmond Rimaki Sunn. A Book “The Songs of Our People,” by Anurag Banerjee was also released during the occasion.

MGMP Season 2 since its launch on Oct, 4th 2023, has organized 730 events across the State with more than 1000 performers participating. The average income for musicians/performers has increased to 10,000 to 12,000 per event in Season 2.

Read: Youth is the centre of focus to propel growth and development in Meghalaya, says Conrad

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