Messengers of hope on World Music Day at Imphal
- June 21st 2020 -
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Guru Rewben Mashangva enthralled quarantine centers in and around Imphal on World Music Day on June 21 2020
Pioneer of Naga folk blues and winner of various national awards Guru Rewben Mashangva enthralled quarantine centers in and around Imphal as part of the World Music Day celebration.
He was accompanied by other three artists Alyson Abonmai (gospel cowboy), James Riamei and Jimbo Ningombam.
The mini tour was organised with the theme “Let us make lockdown memories together” based on a song written by Ngachonmi Chamroy.
World Music Day which originated in France in 1982 is celebrated annually around the world on 21st June. In 2010, 110 countries including India are signed to observed world music day by organizing free concerts in any space available by both amateur and professional musicians.
However, this year, the Covid 19 pandemic has caused a global lockdown. Most people are avoiding the outdoors to prevent the spread of the virus. And because of that reason, world music day wasn’t celebrated the same way it used to be.
Guru Rewben Mashangva enthralled quarantine centers in and around Imphal on World Music Day on June 21 2020
Guru Rewben and his close friends realized that music makes one happy, lowers stress, improves health and reduces depression. Thousands of brothers and sisters have returned home from other parts of India and are going through compulsory quarantine in many quarantine centers across Manipur.
While it wasn’t feasible to reach out to all of them due to time constraint and government restrictions, the team decided to perform in three quarantine centers in Liberal college, Lee Faith School and Manipur college.
The state government supported the initiative on the condition that SOP (standard operating procedure) will be followed. The performance which started on a shiny morning in Liberal college ended with a downpour in Manipur college.
But the artists and the jolly crowd in the quarantine centers were not ready to give up easily. While the artists performed under the shades of umbrella and tents, the crowds jeered from the verandahs making the event a day to remember in music history.
Volunteers in the three centers made sure the inmates maintain social distance and follow other protocols while enjoying the music. The event also proved to be an important cause in the fight against the pandemic as the artists and the organisers had another intention.
The artists including the marvelous anchor of the day Soshim Keishing kept reminding everyone present to strictly follow state government guidelines in the quarantine centers and in their homes to avoid further spread of Covid 19.
Some of the volunteers who accompanied the musicians returned home on an emotional note hearing stories of the selfless humanitarian work being done by the volunteers at the quarantine centers.
The music event was also made possible by the generous contributions of friends of the artists including Sat Kartar Sewa.
* "ourvillage films" sent this info for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at doren(DOT)ourvillagefilms(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on June 23 , 2020.
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