Shillong, May 16: In order to promote and preserve the Art Forms and its benefits for the young generation a weeklong Workshop on “Crafting of Traditional Musical Instruments and Playing Technique” was inaugurated today at Multi Facility Centre, Selsella Community and Rural Development Block which was organized by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Meghalaya. The workshop is being held from 16th May to 20th May, 2017.
Forest and Environment Minister and local MLA, Shri Clement Marak graced the inaugural function as Chief Guest in the presence of Shri P R Sangma, Block Development Officer, Selsella C & RD Block, Smti D Kharjana, Archivist, Directorate of Arts and Culture, officials of the Department of Arts and Culture both from Shillong and Tura, students, Headmaster and Headmistress of different schools and people of the area.
While addressing the gathering, Shri Clement Marak stated that the traditional musical instruments which were used by our forefathers are being substituted by modern and western musical instruments and in fact most of the young generation would not have the knowledge of these instruments in future if we do not preserve it. For this reason, he informed that the Government of Meghalaya through the department of Arts and Culture is trying to organize this kind of workshop especially for students so that they learn the art of crafting as well as the techniques of playing these traditional musical instruments.
He further urged the students to continue the process of learning these traditional musical instruments even after attending the workshop and also advised them to take it as a profession in their future career and also facilitate the society in preserving the rich traditions of our forefathers.
Experts of Garo Traditional Musical Instruments, Shri Diwal Sangma and Shri Gredin Sangma both from Rombagre and Shri Dhirot Marak from Gondenggre, West Garo Hills would be instructing the participants about crafting and playing Drums, Sarenda, Chigring and various other traditional musical instruments in this weeklong programme.
