Conrad launches 2nd edition of music project in Meghalaya

Shillong: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma launched the second edition of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project here on Wednesday. The project has so far benefitted more than 1,600 musicians across the state, officials said.Launched by the tourism department in April last year, the project provides platforms to performers, musicians and budding artistes, officials said, adding that around 3,000 musical events have so far been organised in Shillong, Jowai, Sohra and Tura.The project is aimed at nurturing and promoting local musicians, songwriters, composers and event firms spotlighting the rich cultural heritage of the state.The chief minister said, “Our state is a treasure trove of talent, and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project Season-2 is our way of showcasing our vibrant culture and nurturing our local musicians.”Congratulating officials for successfully conducting the first session of MGMP, Sangma highlighted Meghalaya’s unique contribution in supporting independent music and musicians.“This season, we are going to make the project even bigger and organise shows not confined to music only, but also folklore, drama, acts, standup comedy and others,” he said.PTI

'Save our village': Indonesians resist eviction for China-backed project

Indonesian fishermen on Rempang island are protesting against plans to relocate them and replace their homes with a quartz sand processing plant funded by China. The government has postponed the eviction date after demonstrations turned violent, but the villagers fear their way of life and livelihoods will be destroyed. The project, which is set to begin construction next year, aims to transform the island into an "eco-city" and attract investment and jobs. However, experts warn that the move could harm the local fishing community and damage the island's marine life.

#Festivemusic: Kolkata musicians to regale Bengali diaspora after COVID gap

Bengalis living abroad are gearing up to celebrate Pujo with musical events and cultural activities. Musicians like Iman Chakraborty, Sourendro-Soumyojit, Lopamudra Mitra, Bhoomi, and Lakkhichhara will be performing in various cities around the world. To meet the expectations of the audience, many musicians have designed special line-ups, combining Bengali and Hindi songs. The Bengal diaspora is particularly fond of songs that evoke nostalgia. The documentation process for traveling has become easier post-pandemic, with musicians receiving their US visas within 15 days. Musicians are expected to dress in traditional attire to keep the festive spirit alive. Despite being away from their homeland, musicians feel a strong sense of pride in being Bengali during Pujo.

CRPF to replace state cops along disputed Assam-Meghalaya border

Assam and Meghalaya have agreed to replace state police forces along the disputed interstate boundary with a neutral force, the CRPF, in order to prevent border skirmishes. The two states also approved a redrawn boundary in one area where the dispute has been resolved. Additionally, the investigation into the Mukroh violence, in which six people were killed, will be handed over to the CBI instead of continuing the ongoing judicial inquiry. The decision was made during a meeting between the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya.

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