In a landmark move to empower local talent and boost cultural tourism, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has unveiled a ₹69 crore expansion of the Grassroots Music Project, now rebranded as the Chief Minister’s Grassroots Music Programme (CMGMP). The announcement was made during a vibrant celebration of World Music Day at Shillong’s Lariti Auditorium.
🎶 From Passion to Policy
CM Sangma, himself a passionate musician, reflected on his early struggles in the music scene and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that young artists no longer face the same hurdles.
“We want to give our youth the thrill of performing, the recognition they deserve, and a platform to pursue their passion,” he said.
📈 From Pilot to Permanent
Originally launched in 2022 with ₹3.5 crore and 2,500 artists, the program has now grown into a structured, annual initiative supporting over 5,400 artists and 38,000+ performances across Meghalaya.
Key highlights of the revamped CMGMP include:
- Fixed performance schedules across districts
- Standardized venues like Ward’s Lake (Shillong) and Tura
- Integrated music training in theory, composition, and performance
- Access to recording studios, instruments, and production support
- Competitions and mentorship programs to nurture original music
🌍 Cultural Identity Meets Global Stage
The CM also urged artists to blend traditional sounds with modern music, preserving Meghalaya’s rich heritage while reaching national and global audiences.
“Our identity is embedded in our music, and our culture must have a place on the world stage,” he declared.
📚 New Cultural Resources Released
Two key documents were launched alongside the program:
- CMGMP Rock and Tourism Festival Booklet
- Council Technology Booklet
These resources aim to integrate music with tourism and technology, positioning Shillong as India’s music capital and Meghalaya as a top cultural destination.
Stay tuned for more updates on India’s cultural innovation.
