Shillong: A vibrant Musical Evening was held today at State Convention Hall in Shillong to mark 90 years of Akashvani’s 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 & party, Garo folk songs by Ahowee folk band and Jaintia folk songs by Seinraij Art & 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 northeastern region by Akashvani stations.
While addressing the programme, Chief Guest, Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Frederick Roy Kharkongor, highlighted the role of Akashvani.
“It is a major milestone. Akashvani covers more than 90 per cent 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 said.
Talking about Mann Ki Baat, he added, “Prime Minister, Narendra Modi talks directly to the citizens on a range of issues. Many aspects of Meghalaya have also been covered by the Prime Minister. So when we talk about voice, visibility, and value, I think Akashvani remains paramount.”
He credited Akashvani and Doordarshan for creating platforms for budding talents and musicians. “It has provided the means for them to reach to so many homes across the state and continues to do so,” he said.
“As you celebrate 90 years, kindly, do continue the good work that the journey of being the nation’s friend and voice, and continue to bring value, visibility, and voice to artists, to news, and to the world at large, he added.
Assistant Director, Engineering, Akashvani Shillong, Antony War addressed the gathering and welcomed everyone to the Musical evening. Assistant Director, Programme, Akashvani NES Shillong, Evelyn Khongsit delivered the Vote of Thanks.
The Musical Evening was a unique blend of culture, bringing together the spirit of song. Along side Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Zonal Director, Indian Council of Cultural Relations, Northeast Zone, Dr. Munish Singh, and S.K Deohare, DDG Admin, ADG Office, Admin & Broadcast Operations, North East Zone (NEZ) were present among others.
