Shillong, July 5: Meghalaya and Philipines on Friday discussed prospects of a musical exchange to help Meghalaya’s budding artists to reach the globe stage.

Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, discussed this proposal with Harsh Kumar Jain, the Indian Ambassador-designate to Ukraine and soon-to-be Ambassador to the Philippines, here on Friday.

One of the key proposals discussed during the meeting was a musical exchange program to help Meghalaya’s young musicians go global, inspired by the success of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), which has supported over 3,000 musicians.

“The proposal that I have shared with him was how do we, as Ambassador-designate, facilitate this exchange on a regular basis between the Philippines and Meghalaya. We also discussed that in the field of culture, there is a huge scope for cultural exchange programs, especially given the affinity we have in terms of education. English is well spoken across the Philippines,” Lyngdo said after the meeting.

“ One of the inherent strengths of the Philippines is in the field of music and the arts. As you might be aware, Filipinos have gone global with their musical talent, performing across various cities of India as well as internationally,” he added.

Lyngdoh also highlighted potential collaborations in the health sector, including opportunities for medical students and professionals from Meghalaya. He mentioned that the Ambassador-designate promised to visit Meghalaya more frequently to strengthen these ties.

Regarding evacuation strategies for students in emergencies, Lyngdoh acknowledged that while unpredictable events like wars or natural calamities are beyond control, the Philippines is a peaceful country with significant cultural affinities with Meghalaya. “Cultural and music exchange programs are sure to strengthen our bonds with the Philippines,” he added.

Lyngdoh also emphasised the importance of developing skills in tourism, art, culture, and medicine, noting that Meghalaya’s nurses are already joining hospitals in Japan. “These are important skills with which we are blessed, and we will certainly upscale those skills in future endeavours,” he concluded.

On his part, Harsh Kumar Jain, said, “The purpose of my visit to Shillong is to promote relations between the Northeast region and the Philippines, where I’m going as ambassador in a few weeks. As you are perhaps aware, the Act East policy of the Government of India aims to promote relations between the Northeast region of India and countries of ASEAN.”

Jain praised Meghalaya’s culture, history, and potential, expressing amazement at the beauty of the state. He committed to supporting students from the region who study abroad, encouraging them to stay in contact with the Embassy in Manila.

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