Shillong, Jan 27: Padma Shri awardee Silbi Passah, who is fluent in Hindi, said she takes initiative to make her students learn Hindi.
The Centre announced Padma Shri award to Passah in the field of art along with others, on January 25.
“We are all Indians, so Hindi is spoken by all and everyone understands the language. I also help my students learn Hindi”, Passah said on Friday at the Raj Bhavan where her troupe performed a fusion music to celebrate the 75th Republic Day.
A Hindi patriotic song sung by the troupe members was accompanied by Khasi traditional music with flute and drums.
On her Padma Shri award, she said, “I am so happy, I never imagined that I will get this award and I am thankful to all”.
Many officers called Passah to inform her about the award on January 25 evening.
According to the 78-year-old Khasi folk musician, there is an urgent need to preserve Khasi traditional musical instruments besides promoting the music.
“My students know how to play drums, other musical instruments and they are also good singers and dancers, I want the Khasi traditional music to be passed on to the generations to come”, Passah said.
Om the influence of western music which may affect the traditional music scene, Passah said,” I respect western music but I love my traditional music more which needs preservation”.
