SHILLONG, May 22: Rural cultural organisations found support from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy for performing arts formed by the Centre, after a delegation of the academy visited some rural regions during the three-day Amrit Yuva Kalotsav held between May 19 and 21.
The music, dance and drama festival was organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, during which Governor Phagu Chauhan was the chief guest and other dignitaries included Chairperson and Secretary of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sandhya Purecha and Raju Das respectively, besides academy member Monica Chanda, and an eminent cultural exponent of the state, Silbi Passah.
During the visit to various rural cultural organisations, a delegation of Sangeet Natak Akademi led by Chairperson Sandhya Purecha selected a few groups from the state to support their relentless services to promote arts and culture in the country.
Around 20 students of the Seng Riti Cultural Organisation of Wahkhen will receive a scholarship for training in traditional performances, including an honorarium for their gurus. Moreover, the Pahambir Cultural Club was granted three sets of musical instruments and traditional costumes for some performers.
There was even a proposal to nominate an award for a few outstanding gurus in the near future based on their contribution to the regular practice, growth, and refinement of traditional art forms.
The Amrit Yuva Kalotsav festival showcased a cultural extravaganza of more than a dozen performances, including folk and classical songs and dances, theatres, and other creative performances from all over the country. The local performances were presented by Dajied Sing Kharkongor and his group, the troupes of Kong Silbi Passah, and the Aroha Choir.
