Shillong: The Meghalaya Government unveiled Season 3 of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) on World Music Day, Saturday evening.
Rebranded as the Chief Minister’s Grassroots Music Programme (CMGMP), the event marked a new chapter in the state’s efforts to nurture its rich musical heritage.
The launch, held at the Lariti Main Auditorium in Shillong, was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as chief guest, alongside Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh and an audience of artists, officials, and music enthusiasts.
In his keynote address, the chief minister reflected on his own struggles as a young musician.
He recounted the challenges of organising concerts and gaining recognition, experiences that inspired the government’s vision to create a robust support system for musicians.
“We want to give our young people the thrill of performing on stage, the recognition they deserve, and a platform to pursue their passion,” the chief minister said.
The initiative, which began with a modest budget of Rs. 3.5 crore and supported 2,500 artists in its first year, has now grown into a Rs. 69 crore programme benefiting over 5,400 artists and hosting more than 38,000 performances across Meghalaya.
The chief minister announced that the restructured CMGMP would become a permanent, annual government program with standardized venues, fixed performance schedules, and integrated training in music theory and production.
Sangma emphasised the government’s commitment to building a sustainable music industry.
Plans include the provision of recording studios, quality instruments, and competitions to encourage music production and capacity building.
He also urged artists to incorporate traditional sounds into contemporary performances, underlining the cultural significance of Meghalaya’s music on the global stage.
“Music is not just about performances; it’s about creating original art, preserving heritage, and showcasing our identity to the world,” he said.
The chief minister highlighted the program’s economic benefits, revealing that concerts hosted over the past year drew 3.86 lakh attendees, generating Rs. 133.42 crore in returns from Rs. 23.5 crore of public investment—a 5.6x return.
These events also created over 5,500 jobs daily and attracted tourists from over 20 states.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh praised the program, quoting The Sound of Music: “The hills are alive with the sound of music.”
He encouraged aspiring artists to join the CMGMP, emphasising its potential to transform music from a hobby into a viable livelihood.
The evening also featured the MGMP Awards Ceremony, celebrating artists from Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills.
Awardees included Bending Waves, Magnificent Obsession, and Vanessa Suchiang.
Special recognition went to differently-abled artists, fan favourites, and young performers, with a total of Rs. 10 lakh in prize money distributed.
A highlight of the event was a live performance by indie pop sensation Anuv Jain, whose acoustic renditions captivated the audience.
A surprise backstage jam session between Jain and chief minister further showcased the personal connection between Meghalaya’s leadership and its musical community, drawing resounding applause.
The event concluded with a message of hope and opportunity, signalling a bright future for Meghalaya’s thriving music scene.
