The Government of Meghalaya has taken a bold step toward digital transformation by announcing its participation in the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025. The state will highlight two of its most dynamic digital initiatives—Hello Meghalaya and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP). Both projects reflect the state’s ambition to uplift local talent and embrace technology as a medium of creative expression and economic opportunity.
Hello Meghalaya has emerged as a game-changer in the regional entertainment sector. Developed as the state’s homegrown OTT platform, it has already seen over 300,000 downloads within a short period. The platform has become a dedicated space for regional filmmakers, content creators, and artists to showcase their original work without depending on mainstream entertainment avenues. This initiative has enabled local voices to flourish, with content deeply rooted in indigenous culture and storytelling traditions gaining national and international attention.
The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project runs parallel to this digital effort by targeting the local music scene. The project has created performance opportunities across the state, allowing young musicians and vocalists to hone their craft while earning sustainable incomes. The initiative has helped bridge the gap between raw talent and viable careers in music, turning Meghalaya into a hub of grassroots music innovation. It supports live gigs, mentorship programs, and collaborations that breathe life into the state’s vibrant cultural identity.
The state’s presence at the WAVES summit will not just be institutional. Actor and content creator Dawan Kharkongor will represent Meghalaya at the event, adding a personal touch to the state’s participation. He will be joined by two notable talents: Mark Ryan Syiemlieh, who reached the Top 10 in “Resonate: The EDM Challenge,” and Khambor Batei Kharjana, who earned recognition as a finalist in the Animation Film Makers Competition for his creation “Lapalang: A Khasi Folklore Reimagined.” Their inclusion reinforces Meghalaya’s growing influence across genres such as electronic music, animation, and cinematic storytelling.
The WAVES summit, hosted by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, serves as a platform to spotlight India’s creative economy and its deep integration with cutting-edge technology. Meghalaya’s decision to participate with such diverse projects signals its determination to lead from the front. By merging culture with innovation, the state is creating models that other regions in India could adopt to unlock the potential of their own local artists.
Government officials emphasized that both Hello Meghalaya and MGMP are structured not just to promote culture but to create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and build digital infrastructure. The projects have drawn support from various stakeholders in the tech and creative sectors, with increased interest from investors looking to back regional OTT platforms and music startups.
These projects also align with Meghalaya’s broader digital vision under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who has actively supported initiatives that blend tradition with technology. His administration has recognized the importance of giving local creators access to global platforms, and Hello Meghalaya stands as a prime example of that philosophy in action.
As the WAVES summit unfolds, Meghalaya’s innovations are expected to attract the attention of not just industry leaders but also policymakers and cultural curators. With storytelling, music, and animation at the core, Meghalaya is presenting a future where heritage and technology walk hand in hand.
By investing in digital ecosystems tailored for local creators, Meghalaya is setting an example in inclusive growth through the entertainment sector. Its showcase at WAVES is not just about visibility—it’s about making a statement that small states can think big and lead bold change.
