HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 30: The Karbi Traditional Music, Culture & Research Institute (KTMC&RI), dedicated to Karbi traditional music and folk songs and operated under the Art & Culture department of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), organised a freshers’ social meet to welcome the new batch of students for the academic session 2023-24. The event was held at the KTMC&RI office in Lorulangso.
During the program, meritorious students from the previous academic session (2022-23) were also recognised and felicitated for achieving high marks in their examinations.
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Surjya Rongphar, executive member (EM) of KAAC Art & Culture and Health & Family Welfare, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Rongphar highlighted the importance of KTMC&RI in promoting and preserving Karbi folk culture. He stressed how the institute has enabled individuals to learn about the rhythms of Karbi traditional drums and other musical instruments, reviving the endangered folk songs. Rongphar also emphasised the value of the Karbi traditional music and songs course for students’ future endeavours.
The EM mentioned that the significance of KTMC&RI has prompted Members of the Autonomous Council (MACs) to request similar institutions in their constituencies. However, setting up such institutions requires financial support from KAAC to cover salaries for the principal, instructors, and staff. Responding to the request of KAAC chairman Raju Tisso, one KTMC&RI has been established at Dokmoka.
Principal of KTMC&RI, Bonsam Kathar, shared that the institute offers courses in Chengpi kethip, Lun barim, and Lamtasam, with classes held on Saturdays and Sundays. The courses span a duration of three years. The current academic session (2023-24) has 29 new students, and instructors include Haberam Ingti, Jorsing Bey, and Mohori Bey.
The principal extended a warm welcome to the incoming batch of students and wished them a successful academic session. The event was attended by MAC Johny Timung, deputy director of Art & Culture Rani Terangpi, tribal cultural research officer Dilip Kathar, president of Karbi Cultural Society Chandrosing Kro, and Padmashree Dhaneswar Engti, among others.
