Shillong, June 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced plans to establish a Film City and a Film Institute in Shillong, along with a Music Institute in Tura, in a major push to strengthen the state’s creative economy and position Meghalaya as a leading destination for music, filmmaking and digital content creation.
The announcement was made during the inaugural Hello Meghalaya Music Awards held in Shillong on June 21 to mark World Music Day. Addressing artists, musicians and industry stakeholders, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to transforming Meghalaya and its capital Shillong into nationally recognised hubs for music, cinema and the broader creative sector.
“We want Meghalaya and Shillong to become recognised hubs for music, filmmaking and the wider creative economy,” Sangma said, highlighting the government’s long-term vision for the state’s cultural and entertainment industries.
The Chief Minister emphasised that initiatives supporting musicians, filmmakers and creative professionals are as important as other development programmes, as they generate employment opportunities and help individuals pursue their talents and aspirations.
Sangma also highlighted the success of the Chief Minister’s Grassroots Music Programme, which has expanded significantly since its launch and now supports more than 7,000 artists across Meghalaya. He noted that the programme has played a crucial role in nurturing local talent and promoting the state’s vibrant musical culture.
During the event, the state government showcased the progress of its OTT platform, “Hello Meghalaya,” which was launched in 2024 to promote local storytelling and regional content. According to the government, the platform has recorded over five lakh downloads and features a growing collection of films, music and digital productions from across the state.
Recognising outstanding contributions to Meghalaya’s music industry, the Chief Minister presented 16 awards to artists, bands and music groups during the ceremony.
“Meghalaya is a land that loves music, and we are delighted to have supported many of our talented artists through the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme since 2022,” Sangma said.
The event also featured an interaction between the Chief Minister and rapper Reble, a prominent artist from the Jaiñtia Hills who gained widespread recognition for his contribution to the soundtrack of Dhurandhar 2.
The proposed institutions are expected to provide professional training, infrastructure and opportunities for aspiring musicians and filmmakers, further strengthening Meghalaya’s reputation as the cultural and music capital of Northeast India.
