From ‘Rock Capital’, Shillong emerging as ‘Music Capital’: CM Conrad
Tura, May 24: Shillong, once known as the “Rock Capital of India,” is now emerging as the “Music Capital of India”, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said at an event in Tura on Saturday.
The Chief Minister referred to the state’s growing prominence in the music and entertainment sector, saying it has become one of the leading destinations for live concerts in the country.
The state has hosted internationally renowned artists such as Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, Ed Sheeran, Europe, Akon, and The Script in the past couple of years.
“This shows how culture has become a bridge between tradition and global opportunity,” he said while addressing the centenary celebration of Tura Natya Samity, one of the oldest and most respected cultural institutions of Garo Hills region.
The programme held on the Samity premises at Lower Babupara, Tura, marked a historic milestone in the Samity’s 100-year journey of promoting art, culture, theatre, and social harmony.
Lauding the Samity’s role in the society, the Chief Minister said it is not merely a cultural organisation but “a guardian of our heritage and a living witness to history.”
The Samity has witnessed the era of British India, India’s Independence, the formation of Meghalaya, and the evolution of modern Meghalaya while remaining steadfast in its cultural mission, the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the historic role played by the Samity, he noted that since its establishment in 1926, the institution has pioneered theatre, drama, music, dance, and literary expression in the region, nurturing generations of artists, musicians, actors, and writers.
Speaking on the importance of culture and creative industries, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya’s rich tribal heritage, indigenous languages, and vibrant musical traditions form the backbone of the State’s identity.
He stressed that culture is not only about preserving tradition but also serves as a driver of economic opportunity and growth.
The Chief Minister said through initiatives such as the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, the Government is supporting more than 7,000 artistes by providing honorariums ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 50,000 per performance, thereby helping music evolve into a sustainable livelihood opportunity.
He further announced that the Government is establishing a world-class Film Institute in Shillong and a Music Institute in Tura to nurture creative talent and strengthen the State’s cultural ecosystem.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the unity and diversity of India, stating that programmes and institutions such as Tura Natya Samity play an important role in strengthening mutual respect, harmony, and cultural understanding among communities through art and cultural exchange.
Highlighting the role of technology in preserving culture, he spoke about the Government’s digital initiative “Hello Meghalaya,” launched in 2024 as a digital public archive to preserve films, music, stories, sports, and cultural expressions in local languages.
He also noted that the Shillong Literary Festival has grown into one of the largest literary gatherings in the Northeast, bringing together local and international authors on one platform.
Calling upon the youth to actively preserve indigenous traditions while embracing innovation, the Chief Minister said institutions like Tura Natya Samity have the potential to evolve into regional hubs for cultural learning and performing arts training.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the development and strengthening of infrastructure at Tura Natya Samity.
West Garo Hills deputy commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal and Centenary Celebration Committee Pranab Bhowmik and convener Alok Roy also spoke on the occasion.
