At Hello Meghalaya Music Awards, Conrad Sangma pitches music, films and digital content as engines of youth employment
Shillong, June 20: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the state into a major hub for music, filmmaking and creative industries, announcing plans to establish a Film City and a Film Institute in Shillong.
Speaking at the inaugural Hello Meghalaya Music Awards held at the SRTG Ground in Shillong as part of World Music Day celebrations, Sangma said the government is investing heavily in creative sectors to create opportunities for young people and help them pursue careers in music, films, sports and other emerging industries.
Reflecting on his own experience as a musician, the Chief Minister said his personal journey had shaped his commitment to supporting young artists and building a stronger creative ecosystem in the state.
“The focus is not just on schemes and programmes. It is about creating opportunities for young people to follow their dreams and build sustainable careers,” he said.
Highlighting the success of Hello Meghalaya, the state’s government-backed OTT platform, Sangma revealed that the platform has already crossed half a million downloads and continues to grow. He said the initiative is helping content creators showcase their work while providing financial support and greater visibility to local talent.
“The next mega project is the establishment of a Film City and a Film Institute in Shillong,” Sangma announced, describing it as a major step towards nurturing local filmmakers, musicians and creative professionals.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for original music and professional training in the industry. He called for the creation of music institutes and affordable recording studios across the state to help artists develop technical skills and produce high-quality content.
Encouraging musicians to draw inspiration from Meghalaya’s rich cultural traditions, Sangma said local musical heritage should be blended with national and international influences to create unique and globally competitive sounds.
He described the music awards as an investment in talent rather than an expenditure, saying recognition and encouragement can become game-changing moments in an artist’s career.
“It is not always about winning. It is about enjoying the process and the journey,” he told participants.
The first edition of the Hello Meghalaya Music Awards honoured artists across multiple categories, including folk, pop, gospel, hip-hop, rock, independent music, music videos and original soundtracks. Awards were also presented for Male Artist, Female Artist, Emerging Artist, Song of the Year and Icon of the Year.
The event featured performances by the Tarari Kids Choir, Steve Jyrwa, Ahaia, Reble, Khmih Creative Society and Bending Waves Band, turning the celebration into a showcase of Meghalaya’s vibrant and evolving music scene.
With the proposed Film City, Film Institute and expanding digital platforms, the state government hopes to position Meghalaya as one of India’s leading centres for creative talent and cultural entrepreneurship.
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