By Preetty Chambugong Marak

Sitting down with Raj Mark Momin over a cup of tea in West Garo Hills, the passion in his voice is unmistakable as he talks about the Dadenggre Music Society. “You know, we’ve got so many young people here, educated, talented, but they are stuck. They don’t have a lot of ways to put those talents to use,” he begins, leaning forward earnestly. For Raj, it wasn’t just a passing thought. This need to help the youth, to give them purpose, drove him to create something truly meaningful—a society where music could be a path.

“Music has this… magic to it,” he tells me, his eyes lighting up. “It gives people a voice, it gives them hope, and, for some of us, it’s a way out.” And that’s exactly what the Dadenggre Music Society is—Raj’s way of giving the youth a chance to build a life around something they love. The society doesn’t just offer instruments and lessons; it offers a community, a network, a way forward. “With the right support,” he says, “these young people can actually make a living through music.”

The challenges were real, though, and Raj doesn’t sugarcoat them. “When we first started, a lot of people didn’t take us seriously. They thought, ‘A music society? Really? What’s that going to do?’” But Raj had his vision set, and he wasn’t backing down. Funding was tight, finding spaces was tricky, and getting instruments was a struggle. “But we kept pushing,” he says with a shrug and a smile. “Somehow, we made it work.”

Slowly, things started to fall into place. The society started to attract sponsorships from local businesses, and Raj reached out to nearby schools to spread the word. They even formed their own band, Voice of Hills. “We’re not just creating music; we’re creating opportunities,” he says. He’s quick to mention how the community has rallied behind them. “The local schools, the media—they’ve all been so supportive. It’s amazing to see people coming together.”

There’s a sense of pride in his voice when he talks about the band members. “They’re so dedicated,” he beams. He goes on to name each one, from Vocalist Bilkam Sangma to Keyboardist Kubit Sangma, talking about them like they’re family. “These guys are incredible, every single one of them,” he says. “They put their heart and soul into every note.”

Listening to Raj, it’s clear that this is about much more than just music. It’s about giving young people purpose and direction. “We’re trying to teach them that every effort matters, no matter how small,” he says, taking a thoughtful pause. “And that, yes, music can be a career if you have the passion and the drive.”

Raj leans back, reflecting. “Music connects people. It crosses borders, languages, everything. We’re trying to bring that sense of unity here, to show these kids that their talent can take them places.”

As the tea cools, Raj speaks about the future with a quiet optimism. “We’ve laid a foundation, but there’s a long way to go. We’re building something that we hope will last,” he says. With new projects on the horizon and performances scheduled at both district and block levels, there’s an undeniable feeling of momentum. Raj is leading something special, and it’s clear that this journey is only just beginning.