Special Correspondent
Ukhrul/Imphal, March 27:
The Tandan Charitable Trust has officially launched the Tandan Music Academy at Mapao Zingsho Gate, near Awang Ngairangbam, with a mission to provide free music education to children and adults, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The inauguration event saw the presence of renowned folk musician Guru Rewben Mashangva, senior journalist Pradip Phanjaobam, Christopher Rego, founder of Sunbird Trust, and Imaan Bhattacharya from Naha Trust. Community leaders and residents from villages like Shungriphai, Ngairangbam, Mapao Zingsho, Sinam, and Sinam Kom also attended the event, demonstrating widespread support for the academy.
The academy offers training in multiple disciplines, including keyboards, ukulele, guitar, drums, and vocals, ensuring accessibility to music for all. Founders Samuel Luis and Henna Senjam emphasized the power of music in uniting people across race, ethnicity, religion, tribe, and caste.
Tandan, meaning “firefly” in Manipuri, symbolizes hope and illumination. Luis, an accomplished Western classical musician trained in London, has won numerous international accolades. He and Guru Rewben Mashangva mesmerized the audience with performances that beautifully bridged folk traditions and Western classical music.