Shillong, Nov,26,: The 10 day Art Integrated Learning (AIL) workshop culminated today at Raj Bhavan, Shillong in the presence of the Meghalaya Governor, Mr. K K Paul, wherein Mr. Mohit Chauchan, an accomplished Musician and lead singer of the band Silk Route, known for several Bollywood chart busters, in his capacity as the World Music Voice Champion Icon presented songs with the local school children.
In his speech, Mr. K K Paul, the Governor of Meghalaya asserted that music or any art form contributes and plays an important role in the development of ones personality and it requires only rhythm for understanding the language of music. Further, he lauded the efforts of the education department in organizing this programme and wish that the state comprising of rich musical tradition will soar with creativity in relation to education.
Director East India, British Council, Ms Sujata Sen informed that the programme
is the international network of all children and aims to promote education for which will also discuss and share the best practices from UK and India. She mentioned that the endeavour is part of the long term goal to promote arts in school education through music, dance theatre, visual and performing arts with the support of the British Council India, NCERT through SSA-Meghalaya as part of fulfilling RTE goal in line with NCF 2005 Framework.
Head of the Arts and Literature Programme, British Council, Ms Shaguna Gahilote briefed that the AIL workshop was launched to promote singing as an additional tool within the teachers pedagogical toolkit to aid pupils learning. It also aimed to develop aesthetic sensibility and values as part of the NCF (National Curriculum Framework) 2005 and Right to Education 2009 for integrating art in curriculum, for nurturing and moulding children, who will grow up to be balanced individuals, she added.
Mr. Benedict Hynniewta, visiting faculty from the Centre of Creative Arts, NEHU and well known flute player from the State enthralled with his melodious Sharikirngai meaning Fantasy and Leit Phai Sha la iing meaning Returning Home.
It may be mentioned that as part of the World Voice Project (WVP), the British Council has chosen India and Senegal for piloting the said programme. In India, besides Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya has also been selected as a participating state for supporting wider learning through musicality, in view of the State’s rich musical tradition.
The programme was organized by the State Education Mission Authority ofMeghalaya – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in collaboration with the British Council India and NCERT. Many government officials, teachers and students were present at the function (SP News)
