Raphael Warjri

Akashvani Music Concert today saw some of the finest local music exponents from Meghalaya holding connoisseurs and music lovers enraptured in Shillong. 

Coinciding with the Spirit of Independence Day and celebrating our rich Musical Heritage, Akashvani Shillong organized the ‘Akashvani Music Concert’ today at U SoSo Tham Auditorium, Shillong featuring the local artists and groups who enthralled the audience with a beautiful combination of patriotic and light music which rekindled the patriotic spirit of the listeners.

The rendition of a heartfelt and poignant Hindi song ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo’ by Bateithymmai Nongrum also paid tribute to those who had laid down their lives for the motherland.

A galaxy of local artistes exhibited their skills and mesmerised the audience. These included Khasi Group Songs led by Balahpynhun Mawlong and Kitkupar Nongsiej, Jaintia Group Songs led by Smt Silbi Passah and Garo Group Songs by Shri Gladborn Momin. Khasi Music exponent Shri Justine I Sun obliged the audience by singing his popular songs and left the audience asking for more. Popular singers and local talents of western music by bands led by Shri Donboklang Dohling and Ms Gwyneth Alicia Mawlong also contributed towards making the occasion an enjoyable one.

The Chief Guest on the occasion Air Marshal S P Dharkar, PVSM, AVSM Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Air Command during his address appreciated the efforts of All India Radio, Shillong in celebrating music and Independence Day through this musical extravaganza. He profoundly acknowledged that music has an extraordinary ability to transcend people from various cultures, language and backgrounds, touching the hearts of people worldwide. He said, “music doesn’t actually have a language, you may follow that particular script in which it is written, you may not, it may be in any language, one that you understand or don’t, but good music sets your feet tapping it sets your heart bouncing, and a lifting melody always stays in the mind”. 

Shri Dharkar also fondly remembered the golden days of All India Radio. He said that radio was the prime source of entertainment and added, “It actually was a very important part of our lives, whether it was entertainment, whether it was for news, whether it was simply to have something as a presence around you wherever you were”. He said, “But importantly, it was the entertainment that you got through Akashvani, through radio, that served as a constant assistance to enlighten, make  you feel nice, make you feel happy, and it was always something that you looked forward to.”

The Concert was also attended by Additional Director General (A & BO) (CO – Akashvani) NEZ, Akashvani and Doordarshan, Shri. Ashish Bhatnagar and other senior officials of the department.