Shillong, May 25: The Indian Army’s Red Horns Division in collaboration with Abani, farmers –focused social enterprise and Youth Association for Cultural Development (YMCD) organised a patriotic evening ‘Sanskriti Sanchay’, at Umroi Military Station, on Wednesday.
The locals of Meghalaya presented a slice of the vibrant state on stage in addition to speeches by Dr. Justice G. Jayachandran of the Madras High Court, Major General S. Murugesan of the Red Horns Division, besides other cultural events showcasing the country’s pulsating heritage.
The event was held with an aim to foster national Integration and bring the best of creative talents from the communities across Meghalaya along with celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav:75 years celebration of India’s independence with the support of Shillong-based ‘Out There Public Engagement Agency’.
This is a rendezvous of diverse Indian culture and tradition, as part of ‘Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav’, to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence and the glorious history of India’s people, India’s culture and India’s achievements, a statement issued here said.
As part of the line-up of the state cultural events, the organisers have gone hyper grassroot this time with the participation of ‘Ka Sur na Nongkyndong or Voice from the village, Ahowee, a Garo-hills cultural music troupe and Meghalaya’s visually impaired band ‘Light after Dark’.
Sanskriti Sanchay intends to promote the local fraternity because the songs sung by them reflect their day-to-day life and the tradition and culture of the cluster of villages they come from.
Ka Sur na Nongkyndong, a folk based group from Jongksha village played songs of faith and peppy music echoing the culture of the hill people. The band comprises 17 people who are all practising farmers.
From the Garo Hills, came the indigenous musical instruments in the form of Dotrong and Dama. The musical instruments can turn an ordinary song into a foot-tapping experience. This was from the indigenous music band Ahowee.
The band could transport the energy sourced from the culture of the Garo people.
What stole the show was the raw talent of the visually impaired musicians representing the troupe Light after Dark. In recent past, the band has emerged as the power house to get the audience’s attention in a moment.
Other special performances included classical violin renditions by Dr. M. Lalitha & M. Nandini, Army Jazz Band, Army Public School, Youth Association for Cultural Development, songs by troops and others.
Indian Army’s Red Horns Division said it is committed to promote national harmony among the communities in Meghalaya and beyond, to facilitate army-civilian rapport and help in nation building.
The event was an amalgamation of diverse cultural flavour of the country, with dedicated performances by artistes showcasing national integration and patriotism through the medium of poems, performing arts and music.
