Shillong, May 24: A vibrant musical evening was held on Saturday at the State Convention Centre here to mark 90 years of Akashvani’s (known popularly as All India Radio) service to the nation as a public broadcaster.
Jointly organised by Akashvani Shillong and Akashvani North Eastern Services (NES), the musical evening featured dynamic performances by leading artists and bands of Meghalaya.
The musical lineup featured Khasi folk songs by Balahpynhun Mawlong and party, Garo folk songs by Ahowee folk band and Jaintia folk songs by Seinraij Art and Culture Group. It also featured western songs by popular musician Shirley Passah and Hindi songs by Ribhakupar Shadap, the winner in the Modern Folk category of NE Body Can Sing in 2016, which was a talent hunt organised across the North Eastern region by Akashvani stations.
While addressing the programme, , highlighted the role of Akashvani.
“It is a major milestone,” the chief guest, Principal Secretary Frederick Roy Kharkongor, said. “Akashvani covers more than 90 percent of the geographical area of India. Amid the many choices that we have in terms of broadcast, print, and electronic media, online media, somehow there is more trust in Akashvani’s news because they provide reliable and durable news.”
He credited Akashvani and Doordarshan (both under the Prasar Bharati umbrella) for creating platforms for budding talents and musicians. “It has provided the means for them to reach so many homes across the state and continues to do so,” he said.
Assistant Director of Engineering at Akashvani Shillong, Antony War, addressed the gathering and welcomed everyone to the musical evening. Assistant Director of Programme at Akashvani NES Shillong, Evelyn Khongsit, delivered the vote of thanks.
Other dignitaries present included the Zonal Director of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, Northeast Zone, Munish Singh, and SK Deohare, DDG Admin, ADG Office, Admin & Broadcast Operations, North East Zone (NEZ).
