By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Admitting the fact that the State has not been able to do justice in promoting traditional music and instruments, an area which has abundant potentials, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Friday said that the State Government has initiated assistance for establishment of fine arts in music to cater to the people involved in promoting indigenous music.
Addressing the gathering at a book release function entitled ‘Indigenous Musical Instruments (North East India)’ at Hotel Pine Wood here on Friday, Dr Sangma informed that 15 centres has already been approved for establishment of fine arts in music and the same will be implemented by the Arts and Culture department.
“For promotion of fine arts, funds has been provided to all the District Administrations”, Dr Sangma said while calling upon experts in this field to send their proposals to the respective Deputy Commissioners for establishment of the same.
The Chief Minister also informed that for East Khasi Hills alone, around 1.4 crores has been sanctioned for this purpose while stating that the State Government has constituted district arts and culture societies which will go a long way in promoting indigenous traditional instruments.
Calling upon potential partners to converge and synergize with the government in promoting this sector, Dr Sangma said that the changing hospitality sector of the North East region, stakeholders should refrain from trying to replicate the hotels and services of the west and should instead, “Concentrate in our strengths which lie elsewhere.”
Speaking about the book, Dr Sangma said that this book will help the youth and will also allow the long coming indigenous culture to flourish. The Chief Minister also launched the revamped website of the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture (DBCIC-Don Bosco Museum).
Earlier, presenting a brief presentation of the value and importance of indigenous music, Rtd Professor of NEHU Dr Helen Giri spoke at length about the difficulties faced by the traditional artists of the State especially the rural talented lots.
“What have we done for the traditional performers who have carried forward the traditional music and presented to the world?” questioned Dr Giri while adding, “There is a need to look into the plight of these traditional artists.”
The book ‘Indigenous Musical Instruments (north East India) has been published by the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture under the leadership of its Director Fr. Joseph.