Shillong, Aug 31: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma held a locality meeting for his South Tura constituency on Saturday.
In his opening remarks Sangma said that he was visiting the locality not as the CM but as the MLA of 51 South Tura Constituency to engage with them to understand issues confronting them.
“Today I have come here not as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya but as your MLA to listen and connect with you. We have the CM Connect programme but today I am here and it can be rightly said that this is the MLA Connect programme,” he quipped before interacting with representatives from various localities under the constituency.
In his closing remarks he assured the gathering and the participants that the issues and problems raised have been noted and would be addressed.
Representatives and residents from Rengmal Gittim, Akimdora, Bolsal A’chik, Srop Gittim, Ranggira, Leper Colony, Kongbe A’kong, Lower Wadanang, Kasinang and Niram A’ding Danak Kongbe participated in the meeting bringing up issues and challenges that required address and intervention.
Meanwhile, Sangma also attended the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Guitar Workshop and Musical Concert in Tura yesterday.
In his address, the CM, a keen guitarist himself, expressed surprise at the scale and quality of the programme. He thanked the organisations involved and recalled fond memories of performing on the same stage as a young musician in 1996 and 1997 when the auditorium was in a dilapidated condition but remained close to his heart.
Reflecting on his journey, he described himself as a “failed musician” but reaffirmed his belief that music can transform lives, societies, and communities. Stressing the importance of music, sports and extracurricular activities in youth development, he reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting these sectors.
He highlighted the challenges his generation faced without platforms like YouTube, mentors, or formal music education, one of the reasons his government, over the past seven years, has invested in programmes such as the Grassroots Music Programme.
He informed the gathering that last year alone, over Rs 35 crore was spent to support nearly 7,500 artists across Meghalaya, giving them platforms at tourist destinations, cafés, and official programmes.
Organized in collaboration with the Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme and the Rhythm School of Music, the two-day programme formed part of ABRSM India’s efforts to expand music education and examination opportunities in the region. Featuring acclaimed American guitarist Matt Bacon, the event offered young musicians invaluable learning experiences and a platform to perform alongside established artists.
The programme began with a Guitar Workshop conducted by Matt Bacon on Friday, which drew nearly 150 enthusiastic participants from Tura and neighboring areas and concluded with a Musical Concert showcasing captivating performances by Bacon, local musicians, and students from the Rhythm School of Music—an evening of cultural exchange and artistic celebration.
