Guwahati: The grand finale of Sur Sangam – Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt concluded on a celebratory note in Guwahati, showcasing the musical excellence, confidence and creativity of students from tea garden communities across Assam.
The state-wide initiative is jointly implemented by The Hans Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Secondary Education, Government of Assam.
Held at the Sri Sri Damodardev International Auditorium, the event featured vibrant performances by the top 16 finalists, who delivered live presentations after months of structured training and rigorous evaluation across tea garden belts in Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.
Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu attended the programme as chief guest, while renowned playback singer and Padma Shri awardee Suresh Wadkar was the guest of honour.
Other prominent personalities present included singer Padma Wadkar, filmmaker Bharat Bala Ganapathy, senior government officials and representatives of The Hans Foundation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Pegu said the state government was committed to ensuring that students from underserved and marginalised communities receive opportunities to discover and develop their talents.
He said initiatives like Sur Sangam reflected Assam’s vision of holistic education that promotes not only academic growth but also creative and cultural development.
Suresh Wadkar praised the initiative and the young performers, describing the platform as a means of bringing hidden talent into the spotlight.
He said he was impressed by the sincerity, discipline and musical depth of the participants, and announced that the winners would be welcomed to his academy in Mumbai for further mentorship and training.
The final round followed a rigorous evaluation process conducted on February 9, where an eminent jury comprising Dikshu Sarma, Kallol Borthakur, Ruppankita Papari and Arupjyoti Baruah assessed the contestants on musicality, vocal technique, expression, originality and stage presence.
Gyno Munda of Sonajuli TE Model School in Sonitpur was declared the winner of the competition.
Anmol Kumar of Chandmari TE Model School, Tinsukia, secured the first runner-up position, while Gojendra Gowala of Deodham TE Model School, Tinsukia, was named second runner-up.
Consolation awards were presented to Anurag Sarma of Dikhari TE Model School, Dibrugarh, Rupali Nayak of Sepon TE Model School, Dibrugarh, and Punyadhar Tanti of Tara TE Model School, Tinsukia, for their consistent and commendable performances.
Selected from among thousands of participants across tea garden areas, the awardees impressed the jury with their vocal ability, musical expression and confident stage presence.
The top six winners will receive education scholarships up to the post-graduation level, along with advanced mentorship at Suresh Wadkar’s music academy in Mumbai, besides certificates and other recognitions.
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Sur Sangam is part of The Hans Foundation’s Uttam Xikhya programme, implemented across model schools in tea garden areas to integrate structured music education into the school ecosystem.
The initiative has witnessed wide participation and highlights the role of co-curricular activities in enhancing confidence, engagement and overall student development.
Shweta Rawat, founder and chairperson of The Hans Foundation, said the initiative was aimed at empowering children to express themselves and dream beyond their circumstances.
She said Sur Sangam was not just a talent hunt but a platform of dignity, confidence and opportunity for students from tea garden communities.
Through Sur Sangam, the Government of Assam and The Hans Foundation continue to strengthen their shared commitment to inclusive and quality education, using music and the arts as tools to nurture creativity, confidence and future opportunities for students across tea garden regions of the state.
