Shillong, Oct 07: A Meghalaya legislator John Leslee K. Sangma Monday spoke out against the inclusion of Hindi songs in government-sponsored festivals which were meant to promote the culture of the indigenous people of the state.
“Government-sponsored festivals should actually give a platform to items which are in sync with the culture and tradition of the people and Hindi songs do not epitomize the culture of the indigenous people,” Independent legislator John Leslee K. Sangma said during Question Hour in the assembly. He, however, did not advocate a ban on Hindi songs during such events.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma said that the Winter Festivals are organised to provide visitors a glimpse of the culture, tradition, cuisine, handicrafts of the people of the state and to foster unity and understanding to the cultural diversity of the state., apart from leveraging these as tourism products.
Replying during question hour about the expenditure involve in organising the winter festival in different district of Meghalaya during the year 2012-13, the chief Minister said “the information is being collected.”
He said “these festivals provide local people and entrepreneurs an opportunity to display and sell their products including local cuisine.”
They also generate revenue for small local shops, eating places, transport operators etc. Beside that, the chief Minister said, “the hotel occupancy also increases during the festival.”
About promoting Ranikor village as tourist destination, the chief minister said, “the department has already initiated construction of tourist lodge to provide accommodation to visitors.”
He said that the Government had also funded the Beach Festival, apart from constructing view points, sit outs, rain-shelters, overlooking Kynshi River etc.
Moreover, stakeholders at the district level are being invited to structure the programmes for such festivals, the Chief minister said.
However, Leslee Sangma said the chief minister’s reply was contrary to what is actually happening. “You have singers from Shillong and elsewhere who come (to a festival in Tura) and sing Hindi songs which do not actually reflect the culture of the people,” he said.(SP News)
