Shillong, Dec 9: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has expressed concern over the decision of the goverment to close all schools within the municipal limits of
Shillong on December 10 to accommodate a music concert by Bryan Adams, a
renowned Canadian singer.
“While we are not against the concert itself, the closure of schools for this purpose reflects a misplaced priority of the government, placing entertainment over the importance of education. Although most schools are currently on winter vacation, minimizing the immediate impact of this closure but the decision highlights the government’s attitude toward education”, said a statement issued by Airpeace Well Rani
member of media cell of VPP.
According to the VPP, such actions reveal a lack of commitment to fostering a culture that prioritizes learning.
“Furthermore, college students are currently undergoing their final examinations. While they are mature enough to make their own decisions, the allure of attending such an event during a crucial academic period could prove to be a significant distraction. By facilitating such temptations, the government risks acting more as a tempter than a responsible guardian of public interests, the VPP leader said.
“We also take note of the government’s eagerness to promote Shillong as the Rock
Capital of the region. While this is a matter of pride, it is disheartening to see a lack
of decisive policies aimed at supporting local artists. The same enthusiasm and
resources devoted to bringing international artists should be extended to nurturing and
promoting homegrown talent. Local musicians, who have the potential to bring global recognition to our region, are often neglected in favour of foreign artists for whom the government spends heavily. It is becoming evident that this MDA government is like
a “rockstar maniac” administration, obsessed with organizing extravagant concerts
while ignoring fundamental responsibilities, such as education and the welfare of
local artists. Moreover, the choice of artists reflects a lack of vision. Bringing in artists
of advanced age, whose live performances are often limited to lip-syncing, raises
questions about the government’s planning and the real value of such events. If the
intention is to promote Shillong as a music hub, the government must take deliberate
steps to invest in local artists and ensure that events of this scale serve a meaningful
purpose”, the VPP leader said.
The VPP also called on the government to reassess its priorities.
“Education must never take a backseat to entertainment, and policies should be framed to promote and uplift the local music industry. We hope this incident serves as a wake-up call for the government to align its actions with the true needs and aspirations of the people of Meghalaya”, the VPP added.
