Shillong (Meghalaya), May 23: Akashvani turned 90 on Friday and Shillong celebrated with music that spanned the state’s hills. The Musical Evening at State Convention Hall saw Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia folk blend with western and Hindi sets, putting local talent center stage for the national broadcaster’s milestone.
Chief Guest Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, called Akashvani’s 90-year run a mark of trust, saying it still reaches over 90 per cent of India when reliability matters most. He pointed to Mann Ki Baat as proof of its unmatched voice, noting Meghalaya’s own features on the programme. He credited Akashvani and Doordarshan for launching generations of musicians into homes across the state.
Performers included Balahpynhun Mawlong & party, Ahowee folk band, Seinraij Art & Culture Group, Shirley Passah, and Ribhakupar Shadap, winner of Akashvani’s 2016 NE Body Can Sing hunt.
Akashvani Shillong’s Antony War welcomed the gathering, while Evelyn Khongsit of Akashvani NES delivered the vote of thanks. For one night, the broadcaster known for news and Mann Ki Baat let Meghalaya’s artists do the talking.
