Started with Rs 3.5 cr and 2,500 artistes, CMGMP turns into ₹69-cr prog with 5,400 artistes and 38,000 performances
Shillong, June 22: In chief minister Conrad Sangma’s words, his own struggle to becoming a musician in his younger days struck an emotional chord at the Chief Minister’s Grassroots Music Programme (CMGMP) held on the occasion of World Music Day on Saturday evening.
“We want to give our young people the thrill of performing on stage, the recognition they deserve, and a platform to pursue their passion,” Sangma said while unveiling the Season 3 of CMGMP, earlier known as Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) at Lariti Main Auditorium in Shillong.
The chief minister shared deeply personal reflections from his youth as a struggling musician.
He also frankly spoke about difficulties musicians faced two-three decades ago — from organising their own concerts to struggling for recognition and access to instruments.
Sangma said his own experiences have helped shape his government’s vision to ensure the next generation of musicians never has to walk that lonely path again.
Elaborating on the growing popularity of CMGMP, he said from a modest start with Rs 3.5 crore and 2,500 artistes it has grown exponentially into a ₹69 crore programme supporting over 5,400 artistes and over 38,000 performances across the state.
The chief minister also announced the renamed CMGMP will evolve into a permanent annual government programme, including fixed performance schedules, standardised venues across Meghalaya like Ward’s Lake in Shillong and major spots Tura, and integrated training in music theory and reading/writing music.
Further throwing light on CMGMP’s objectives, he emphasised the need to support artistes not just through live performances but also by building a sustainable music industry.
He proposed new initiatives to provide recording studios, high-quality instruments, and equipment to artists, especially those in need.
The government also plans to introduce competitions and structured support systems for music production and technical capacity-building.
“This programme must now go beyond just allowing performances — it must create original music, preserve our traditional sounds, and take Meghalaya’s talent to the national and global stage,” he declared.
Calling upon local musicians to explore the roots of their heritage and find ways to integrate it into modern performances, he said, “Our identity is embedded in our music, and our culture must have a place on the world stage.”
Meanwhile, the chief minister released two landmark documents – CMGMP Rock and Tourism Festival Booklet and Council Technology Booklet – during the event.
Over last year alone, the state hosted seven major concerts across 13 days with 3.86 lakh attendees, generating Rs 133.42 crore from Rs 23.5 crore of public investment, making it a 5.6 times return on investment, he said.
These events also created over 5,500 jobs per day and brought in tourists from more than 20 Indian states.
Addressing the occasion, tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh described music as being deeply ingrained in the soul of Meghalaya.
He praised the transformation of music from a hobby into a source of livelihood and urged all aspiring artistes to register with CMGMP and be part of this cultural movement.
Earlier, Dr Vijay Kumar D, commissioner and secretary (Tourism), highlighted how the state’s strategic focus on creative industries, particularly music, has positioned Meghalaya as a national leader in this space.
He expressed pride in releasing Meghalaya’s first official Concert Economy Report, and emphasised the massive multiplier effect that music and tourism have created for the state’s economy.
Artistes from Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills were honoured at the CMGMP awards ceremony.
The winners included Bending Waves, Magnificent Obsession, Strange Origin, Neil Umwi, Vanessa Suchiang, Snam Rangsa, among others.
Special recognition was given to Mayan Khasi, Bachin Yana Momin, and Chevinia as the youngest performers, Tekisha Shabong and Khongsam under “The Sound of Music” awards for differently-abled artistes, Dan & Zac and Ricky Dawa as fan favourites, and Eno Kharkongor as Best Gospel Artist.
A total of Rs 10 lakh in prize money was distributed.
A lively acoustic performance by indie pop singer Anuv Jain, known for “Baarishein”, “Gul”, and “Husn” enthralled the audience and struck a deep chord with Meghalaya’s youth.
In a spontaneous moment, chief minister Conrad K Sangma joined Anuv Jain with his guitar for a collaborative jam backstage.
