Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma concluded the Pineapple Festival at Dilli Haat in Delhi by joining young musicians on stage with a guitar. This highlighted the state’s focus on promoting music as a means of livelihood. Sangma, along with artists from the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, turned the closing ceremony into a celebration of the state’s musical heritage and cultural identity.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s significant investments in nurturing young musical talent through the CM-MGMP. This initiative has become one of the largest grassroots cultural programs in the country. Sangma mentioned that the CM-MGMP has over 7,000 artists and has organized more than 38,000 shows.
The event showcased Meghalaya’s approach of blending culture, tourism, and economic development to create sustainable livelihoods for local artists within the creative economy. By integrating music and culture, the state aims to boost tourism and provide employment opportunities for its youth.
The festival, spanning four days, aimed to promote Meghalaya’s high-quality pineapples in the national capital. It featured displays of the state’s agricultural products, traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural performances. The participation of young musicians from the CM-MGMP added a unique cultural touch to the event, highlighting Meghalaya’s vibrant music scene alongside its renowned pineapples.
Officials noted that the festival exemplified the state government’s broader vision of using music and culture to enhance tourism and create job prospects for young people. Through programs like the CM-MGMP, thousands of artists have been able to showcase their talents at various tourist spots and public events across Meghalaya, enriching the state’s tourism offerings.
