TURA: The three-day Tura Winter Youth Festival organised by West Garo Hills District Administration at Dikki-Bandi Stadium, Dakopgre drew to a close on Wednesday night with the performance of various local bands in a Rock Concert.
Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma who attended the festival on Tuesday night joined the stage with the singers and musicians of the Centre of Excellence in Classical & Western Music who performed their original classical, Hindi, Western and Sufi-Garo fusion compositions as well as covers.
Speaking to the audience before his performance with the team, the Chief Minister said that the State Government was spending a lot of money in having these winter festivals across the state so that our youth can get a platform to showcase their talents and also pass their time in productive activities. “Everyone should participate and take full advantage out of these festivals. Parents must bring their children to witness the wonderful events that take place in these festivals and also encourage them to participate in various events,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of music for one’s health and wellbeing. “It is sad that there are officers and people who fall sick due to unhealthy lifestyle and spend a lot of money on their treatment. It is very important for us to unwind and recharge ourselves with good music because music can do wonders to your soul and to your health,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that despite his heavy schedule he felt recharged by music and by people with positive energy. He urged upon the officers of the district to emulate their Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh who maintained a healthy lifestyle by taking up cycling, trekking and long walks regularly.
Various events and activities were spread out during the three-day festival which included Mobile Photography Contest, Karaoke, Film Screening, Futsal, dance choeregraphy competition, traditional musical instrument competition among others. Exhibition was also put by various departments, SHGs and NGOs during the festival.
The highlight of the festival was the performance by renowned local artistes during Retro Nite on the first evening and Country Nite on the second evening who set the stage on fire and completely entertained the audience.