Shillong: The 4th Meghalaya Pineapple Festival concluded at Dilli Haat in New Delhi on Sunday, with chief minister Conrad Sangma joining young musicians on stage, playing guitar and singing to mark the finale.“Joined the artists of the CM-MGMP at the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, singing ‘Country Road’, a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life,” Conrad said.Sangma highlighted the state govt’s Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP) as an initiative to support young talent.“We have a Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, and you will be happy to know that there are more than 7,000 artists in this. We conducted over 38,000 shows,” he informed.“Today, when you go to Meghalaya, in different tourist spots and destinations, these young musicians will be right there performing for you. And we, the govt, finance them to ensure that it not only helps their passion and talent grow, but also provides them a livelihood out of music, while giving visitors a glimpse of Meghalaya,” he said.The chief minister said Meghalaya’s produce drew a strong response from visitors. “The pineapples of Meghalaya were a superhit at the festival. Was great to have our farmers present, witnessing their hard work pay off,” the CM said.“Alongside celebrating the state’s world-renowned pineapples, the festival also showcased the extraordinary talent of Meghalaya’s young musicians, reinforcing the govt’s vision of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through the creative economy,” an official release read.
