Meghalaya CM felicitates ‘inspiring artists’

Shillong, Mar 14  Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, felicitated and recognised artists who have been pursuing music for over 15 years in the presence of Bollywood star and Co-owner of North East United Football Club (NEUFC), John Abraham.
Speaking at a function of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), Season 2, held at the Hotel Marriot here, Sangma recalled the moments of his passion for music in his youthful days and 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, even as he pointed out that the music scene in the present days is different from what it used to be years before.
“I want our young musicians to take the help of technology and take your music to a new level,” he said, noting that most of the youth in the state were “naturally talented” musicians.
“The MGMP can provide them with the skills and knowledge of reading and writing music so that our musicians can perform the way it is done at the international level,” the Chief Minister said, emphasising that this would give a touch of professionalism to music.
Mooting the idea to support musicians with finance to buy musical instruments, Sangma said, “There can be a selection committee, and through a proper selection process, deserving musicians can be given financial assistance.”
Assuring that MGMP will be a continuous programme, the CM urged the musicians to leverage their fan base and spread the right messages about social causes like anti-drugs, cleanliness, and the environment.
Bollywood star John Abraham said that what the Meghalaya government was doing to give platforms to sportspeople, musicians, and the youth in general was impressive.
“Keep living your dreams and understand that you are very fortunate, for we never had this kind of support system and guidance,” Abraham told the artists.
The MGMP Season 2, since its launch on October 4, 2023, has organised 730 events across the state, with more than 1000 performers participating, and their remuneration is also increasing.