By Krish Marwein
What matters more—short-term entertainment or the long-term future of our students?
The people of Shillong take pride in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of our state. Music events and concerts have always been an integral part of Meghalaya’s identity, drawing thousands of visitors and contributing significantly to our tourism sector and economy. However, recent scheduling decisions regarding concerts and major music events during peak academic and examination periods raise serious concerns about the government’s priorities.
From December through February 12, our city is set to host several high-profile concerts featuring renowned artists such as Bryan Adams, Afrojack, Blue, and Ed Sheeran. These events are expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees, creating noise and chaos in the city center. While these events undeniably boost tourism, they are scheduled at the worst possible time for students. Beyond the HSSLC exams starting February 18, thousands of students are also preparing for the SSLC exams and competitive entrance tests like CUET, all of which take place in February, March, and the following months.
To put things in perspective, in 2024, 54,134 students appeared for the SSLC exams from 679 schools, and 27,374 students appeared for the HSSLC exams from 251 schools. These numbers highlight the significant population of students directly impacted by the scheduling of these concerts. This disruption affects not just their preparation but also their ability to perform in these crucial exams that shape their futures.
Economic Gains at the Cost of Education
The recent Cherry Blossom Festival, held in the outskirts of Ri Bhoi, was a spectacular success, drawing over 50,000 attendees across two days. The event, which initially received a government investment of ₹2 crore, ultimately cost ₹12 crore, according to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s statements. However, there is speculation that the figure might be even higher. While the economic benefits of such events cannot be denied, it is critical to question whether these benefits justify compromising students’ education.
Meghalaya already struggles with alarmingly high dropout rates. As per the 2023-24 SDG Index report, the state’s dropout rate at the secondary level (Classes 9-10) stands at a shocking 21.7%, the highest in the region and far above the national average of 12.6%. Unified District Information on School Education (UDISE) Plus data for 2021-22 further reveals dropout rates of 9.8% at the lower primary level and as high as 27.6% in certain districts at the secondary level. Despite these grim statistics, the government’s focus appears skewed toward entertainment rather than addressing the core issues affecting education.
A Call for Responsible Planning
A balanced approach to tourism and education is not only possible but necessary. The Cherry Blossom Festival’s location in Ri Bhoi offers a valuable lesson: large-scale events can be held outside the city, minimizing disruption to students and residents. Similarly, concerts and music events should be planned after the conclusion of exams. This ensures students can focus on their studies without unnecessary distractions, while the government can still achieve its goals of boosting tourism and economic growth.
If the government is truly committed to reducing dropout rates, as it claims, then education must be given precedence over short-term economic gains. As the SDG Index report emphasizes, a zero-tolerance approach to dropouts must be the cornerstone of policy. This message must resonate from the Chief Minister and Education Minister down to every Village Council Chairman. Planning major events during peak academic periods sends a contradictory message, undermining efforts to improve educational outcomes.
We, as students, are not against concerts or music events. In fact, we celebrate the cultural vibrancy they bring to Meghalaya. However, it is imperative that these events are planned responsibly, keeping in mind their potential impact on students’ academic performance. By holding such events after exams or in locations outside the city center, the government can strike a balance between fostering tourism and safeguarding education.
As residents of Shillong, we urge the government to take these concerns seriously. Education is the foundation of progress, and prioritizing it over entertainment is not just a necessity—it is a responsibility. Let us ensure that the voices of students, parents, and educators reach every household, calling for a more thoughtful approach to event planning in our beloved state.
(The writer is a student of Class – 12, St. Anthony’s Higher secondary school and can be reached at [email protected])