Meghalaya is now promoting gospel music to celebrate its faith and cultural identity, with the State Government deciding to organise two gospel concerts in collaboration with the Presbyterian Church in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region and the Baptist Church in the Garo Hills region. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said gospel music was an integral part of the State’s identity and deserved to be celebrated alongside other musical traditions. “We feel very strongly that this is very much part of our faith of our identity of who we are, and therefore we must celebrate it as as individuals and as citizens we must celebrate our faith also,” he said.
Sangma said music had always been an important part of the State’s culture and the government had now extended its promotion to gospel music. “We have decided we have always believed that music is a very important part of our culture in our lives, and therefore while we promote other forms of Music. We have also started promoting gospel music now, and that’s with that point in mind with the connection with the faith and all of these aspects. We are very happy to support this,” he said. The initiative will also extend to the Meghalayan Age Pavilion, where the Chief Minister has suggested daily musical performances, including on Sundays, with Sunday programmes specifically featuring gospel songs. “I have suggested to the team that music should be played every day, including the Sundays also, and I’ve told them that when you play on Sunday, make sure it’s gospel songs,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government was providing opportunities for gospel artists and was seeking to bring renowned performers from across the world to Meghalaya. “We are now Promoting this, and we are giving this opportunity, and we are getting very, very well known artist from all over the globe. In fact, to come to our state, and I’m really looking forward to it, and I urge all of you also to please be be part of it,” he said. The initiative brings gospel music into the State’s wider cultural promotion and tourism agenda, while placing its religious and cultural identity at the centre of the government’s efforts.
