Music is my heartbeat: Anon Cheran Momin

Preetty Chambugong Marak

Shillong, Feb 6: Meghalaya’s music enthusiast Anon Cheran Momin says, “Music is my heartbeat.” Anon has been nominated for the 17th Asian Film Award Academy for “Best Original Music”. Born and brought up in Meghalaya, Anon originally hails from North Garo Hills, he did his schooling at St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School and later studied Computer Science Engineering at Shillong Polytechnic. He got his BA degree in Fine Arts from Martin Luther Christian University and is currently pursuing his studies at Vienna Music Institute in Vienna, Austria.

Anon kick-started his music career with the movie ‘Rapture’, where he and Dominic Sangma both were nominated for the Original Music and Best Director award respectively. The event is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong on March 10, 2024.

Speaking about all this, Anon says, “I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, giving all the glory and honour to God and dada Dominic Sangma, who allowed me to work with him. The moment Dada Dominic shared the news of me being nominated I was filled with emotion as I never envisioned myself in this position so the acknowledgement and recognition from the Asian Film Award Academy was a delightful surprise. I can never thank God enough”.

ALSO READ: From memories to dreams: Dominic Sangma uses his past to pave the way to his future

This comment was made during an exclusive interview with Meghalaya Times, the excerpts of which are:

What first got you into music?

ACM. Music became my heartbeat from a very young age. At just 12 years old, I dove into the world of melodies by playing bass in my local church. This early exposure ignited my passion and set the stage for my musical journey. At 16, I took a leap into professional music education, honing my skills on the piano at Arnest Memorial Music School for a triennial. However, my musical education didn’t stop there; I continued to expand my repertoire through self-teaching, exploring and experimenting with various instruments and genres.

Since you started at a young age, who was your inspiration?

ACM. My primary source of inspiration comes from my own household. Both of my elder brothers Evangel and Ambasal are accomplished musicians, and witnessing their musical journey has been a constant motivator for me. From the moment I saw them perform on stage, I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. The shared passion for music created a unique bond, and soon we found ourselves playing together in our local church. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping my musical identity, and to this day, the collaborative energy we bring to the stage continues to fuel my love for music. And, of course, I can’t overlook the unwavering support from my family, especially my parents. Their encouragement and understanding have been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my dreams and ambitions. Their prayers and constant remembrance are not just a source of strength but also a profound inspiration for me. I’m deeply grateful for their support, and it’s their love that propels me forward on this journey.”

Who or what inspired you to come up with the music that was nominated for the award?

ACM. Honestly speaking, for this music, I didn’t have a specific inspiration. However, I hold great admiration for Dada Dominic’s work, and working alongside him has been a source of continuous inspiration. Dada Dominic has played a pivotal role in my growth, both as a musician and as an individual. His encouragement, guidance, and constant push for improvement have contributed significantly to my development. ‘Rapture’ marks our third major project together and the second feature film collaboration, following ‘Ma.ama’. Our collaborations extend beyond the professional realm; we often engage in discussions about the philosophy of life, share ideas, and explore creative concepts. One of the best aspects of working with Dada Dominic is that while he provides valuable advice, he also allows for creative freedom, fostering an environment without limitations.

What do you think makes this music unique?

ACM. I wouldn’t label it as unique music per se. When Dada Dominic Sangma approached me to compose music for ‘Rapture,’ he had a specific vision in mind. He wanted the music to steer away from Western influences and embrace a more folk and traditional essence. This posed a challenge for me, given the limited availability of well-equipped traditional instruments in our cultural context. However, I soon realized that the beauty of music lies not only in perfection but in the distinctive sound, tonality, and texture of the instruments used. Throughout the process of composing and recording, there were both challenges and triumphs. Despite the limitations, the music resonated well, and I found immense satisfaction in knowing that the end result was not only to my liking but also garnered approval from the director himself.

Tell us about your creative process.

ACM. The process for the music score began with Dada Dominic sharing a fascinating movie concept with me, depicting a village in disarray where people are bewildered and unsure of what to do. This chaos in the village is meant to reflect the complexity of our modern lives, where some notice the nature of things, while others remain oblivious. I found myself inspired by this narrative during a late-night session at my piano. As I delved into the process, it felt like every tune and melody was naturally falling into place. Despite facing limitations in equipment and lacking the necessary software, I collaborated with my friend Taidy, and together we worked until the early hours of the morning to create a foundational demo. Upon completion, I shared the demo with the director, who gave the green light to proceed with recording the full set of instruments. This recording took place with Bah Julius Basaiawmoit at Prodigi Recording Studio, helping me out on playing the instruments Batlador Khongnoh on Flute, and Pioustian Singtang Marak on dotrong and Nagra. The final touch to the music, including the mixing and mastering, was handled by Vineet from Mumbai who also served as the sound designer for the entire movie ‘Rapture’.

Any positive/negative responses you received for this music?

ACM. So far, the responses have been positive. The music has resonated well with audiences beyond our community. It’s heartening to see the appreciation pouring in from various quarters, and I am grateful for the positive feedback. One aspect that brings me immense joy is the opportunity to showcase our traditional and cultural instruments through music. It allows people from different parts of the country to experience and appreciate the richness of our heritage. The positive responses serve as encouragement to continue exploring and sharing our cultural treasures through the medium of music.

How do you describe the music that you typically create?

ACM. The music I create is primarily in the form of a movie score, commonly referred to as an Original Sound Track or OST. In crafting these soundtracks, my focus is on composing the music to enhance the emotions, scenes, and overall narrative of the film.

Where have you performed? Any upcoming songs?

ACM. I’ve had the privilege of performing both individually and as the ex-keyboardist of the Band Rum and Monkeys. My musical journey has taken me to various music festivals, concerts, radio stations, TV channels, government events, cafes and weddings in different states of India. At the moment, my main focus is on learning, improving, and shaping myself as an artist. Additionally, I’m enthusiastically working on several original compositions. Nevertheless, I’m not ready to unveil specific details just yet.

Being a music composer, what skills do you think you need the most?

ACM. Being a music composer requires a diverse skill set. Firstly, an openness to various musical genres is crucial. Listening to a wide range of music can draw inspiration from different styles, which adds depth and versatility to the compositions. Observation is another vital skill. Understanding the surrounding environment helps me capture the mood and essence of a scene, enabling me to create music. Moreover, having a fundamental knowledge of music theory and musical instruments is essential. It not only allows me to communicate effectively with musicians during the collaborative process but also provides a strong foundation for structuring compositions, harmonizing melodies, and ensuring the coherence of the overall musical piece.

What advice do you have for others who want to make a name for themself?

ACM. I may not be an expert in giving advice, but I believe it’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace boldness, try new things, and explore different environments. Work hard in what you love to do and you’ll bear the fruits in it. Always strive to be the best version of yourself. Importantly, express gratitude for the journey, acknowledging both challenges and blessings and never forgetting to thank God. Moreover, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the people who have been involved in this project. Without their support, this endeavour would not have been possible. The collaborative effort and encouragement from others play a significant role in bringing creative projects to fruition.

CBI indicts Jose Cherian for violation of tendering procedures ; HYC demands action from NEHU VC

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Dec 1: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded that NEHU Vice Chancellor PS Shukla initiates action against the executive engineer Jose Cherian, who was indicted by the CBI for gross violation of tendering procedures.

In a statement, HYC education secretary Enlang Sawian said, “(We) demand that the original note sheet be sent for immediate Forensic examination and order thorough probe against Jose Cherian, as the issue pointed out is just a tip of ice berg. During the pendency of such a probe, he should not be allowed to hold any position in the office, as he likely to temper more files and intimidate his junior officers. Further Vice Chancellor should initiate action against this officer as per the resolutions already taken by University’s Executive Council.”

He said even after CBI indicted Jose Cherian Executive Engineer on account of gross violation of procedures related to tendering, the Executive Engineer has been allowed to continue in his post by Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, the beleaguered Vice Chancellor of NEHU.

“In complete disregard to CBI finding that Jose Cherian has caused substantial financial loss to the University, the Vice Chancellor seemingly remains unmoved to follow the decision of the University in initiating action decided by the Executive Council of the University,” he said.

Sawian said the Executive Council after going through CBI inquiry report which directed the University to impose a major penalty to Jose Cherian and also, the separate University level inquiry committee’s report finding him guilty of causing financial loss to the tune of Rs 10.00 Lakhs was accepted by the Executive Council headed by Prof PS Shukla himself, but till date, the decision of the Council to serve him chargesheet and then keep him out of office till charges are finally adjudicated hasn’t not been implemented by the Vice-Chancellor.

“Taking full opportunity of the failure of Vice Chancellor Jose Cherian continued in the office and his very presence has resulted into a much graver tempering of official documents related to construction works,” he said adding “In the event of multiple L1 bidders the choice of the awardee in many instances had not been so far based on any objective, scientific and statutorily valid criterion. The Executive Engineer acted in a prejudicial manner to grant of the award of work to some preferred tenderees by violating extant government norms. It is instructive to note that in a particular case the then Registrar J.N. Nayak wanted to know from the Executive Engineer whether award of work is based on grading/award of marks of their performance or it is based on some other criterion.”

The HYC leader further said that the Executive Engineer in response to this query of the Registrar indicated that performance grading was done in the case of a work namely, “ Replacement of damaged CGI sheet and roof painting in Quarter no P/32,33 and 35 to 58.”

“It can be seen from the note by Jose Cherian that he claimed to have followed CPWD manual, records also show that objective marks were awarded on the past performance of tenderees to select first among the equals, as all the tenderers had quoted same least amount for the work. The practice of award of marks and grades becomes mandatory in such cases; but Jose Cherian refused to follow the same after showing the pretence of following it in just one case,” he said while adding “After this particular work was awarded as per marking/grading, due to some mysterious reasons best known to Jose Cherian, he had actually stopped this practice and resorted to arbitrary award of works. In effect he exercised undefined arbitrary power in selecting to whom to award a work and thereby denied opportunity to other deserving tenderees, when all the applicants have quoted same lowest value.”

He alleged that among multiple L1 tenderees quoting the same value, which itself is otherwise suspect showing an invisible cartel formation quoting the same lowest value.

Further choosing someone for a certain work without any objective garding is a serious statutory violation of all central government statutes and rules of the University.

It is very interesting to note that the file wherein Cherian mentioned his following of the CPWD manual now stands tampered by Cherian as he has applied white ink on his earlier note giving an impression as if no regulation existed to select First among the lowest equal bidders.

It is pertinent to mention that usage of white ink is strictly prohibited on notes of file, as per government orders and rules in force.

“Had the Vice Chancellor acted in time and removed this officer from the chair as he was indicted by CBI as well as internal inquiry of the University, concerned vested interests who now want to hide their gross misdeed by white ink tampering wouldn’t get such an opportunity to commit such a forgery in the official file. The forgery gets cleared when one compares the original note sheet with the tempered note sheet,” he added.

Vasco da Gama Goa and Mirch Masala

by Parag Ranjan Dutta

To the present generation, the liberation of Goa from the Portugues could be a myth. A 1969 movie, Saat Hindustani by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas on Goa liberation, depicted the struggle of Maria and five others picked up from different locations and backgrounds to liberate Goa from the Portuguese. This was the debut film for the great Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan where he portrayed the character of the poet Anwar Ali. The real incident that cost the Portuguese very dearly was a firing incident at a fishing boat near the coastal area by the Portuguese army that killed an Indian fisherman. On December 19, 1961, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru sent armed forces to this coastal state. A joint operation by the navy, air and land forces for thirty-six hours forced General Manual Antonio e Silva to sign a surrender treaty. Long before this incident Goa Liberation Army, founded by an Indian Army officer, Shivajirao Desai in 1950 made attempts to end colonial rule by revolutionary tactics and direct action.

On July 8, 1497, Vasco da Gama sailed from Lisbon on a mission to India through the Cape route and Indian Ocean to reach the spice World and India. He sailed with a fleet of four ships and reached Calicut, present Kozhikode on the Malabar Coast, on May 20, 1498 on board the flagship Sao Gabrial. After a long voyage Vasco da Gama reached the port of Mombasa in East Africa. It is highly interesting that da Gama met a Gujarati sailor Kanji Malam at Mombasa and sought his help to explore the sea route to India.

ALSO READ: Hill Stations of India- A British Legacy

During that period spice trade was very lucrative that earned handsome profits. When the Ottoman Empire of Turkey was at the zenith of its power they took control of sea routes to the spice islands of South East Asia. But that did not discourage the Europeans. Instead in the quest of finding new fortunes, they sailed the mighty oceans to find the black pepper pods called the “Black Gold”. Seven years before Vasco da Gama launched his fleet to reach India, Christopher Columbus too set sail to reach India. But destiny drove him elsewhere to the Caribbean nation island of Haiti and then to America. While on his way to find the East Indies he dropped anchor offshore from South America and found chili instead of black pepper. Chili is a native of South America which used to grow in the wild and later domesticated by the natives.
It is believed that Vasco da Gama brought along with him a number of crop plants that included bell pepper, commonly known as capsicum and was later planted in Goa for the first time. From there it gradually spread to Bombay where locals called it Gova mirch. Chilli, known as mirch in India is a South American fruit was introduced by the Portuguese. Chili spread rapidly throughout the world. Before chili was introduced in India Indians were using black pepper growing wild in the Western Ghats of Kerala and Karnataka. Red chilli, an important ingredient of the Indian cuisine did not originate in India. A native of Mexico it was brought to India by the Portuguese traders. Two of the most important ingredients to make Indian cuisine special, red chili and tomato are actually not native to India. of the most important ingredients to make Indian. Prior to the coming of the Portugues, the Indians used to consume a number of grains like rice, wheat, bajra and maize. A number of crop plants belonging to the Solanaceae or the nightshades that include tomato, potato, pepper etc. were introduced in India by the Portuguese, mainly from Latin America, or the New World. Two of the most important ingredients to make Indian cuisine special tomato and red chili are not native to India. Prior to the coming of the Portuguese, not too many fruits found their way into Indian homes. A number of fruit trees like pineapple, papaya, cashew nuts etc. were brought by the Portuguese and extended the cultivation in the new environment. Some 8000 years ago potato was domesticated in the Andes of South America from where it was brought to Europe. Potato was introduced in the early 17th century by the Portuguese sailors and later spread to the northern part of the country, courtesy the British.

Indians in the olden days also consumed a lot of animals which were found in abundance in tropical forests. Archaeological evidence found in the Harappan civilization amply proves this food habit of the Indians.

It was Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered Goa in 1524 when King John III of Portugal nominated him as the Portuguese Viceroy in India. It was the Portugues General, Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur Sultanate. In 1492 Goa was annexed to Adil Shah’s Bijapur Sultanate. Though da Gama discovered Goa it was Albuquerque who laid the foundation of Portuguese power in India. The entire purpose of conquering Goa was to find a strategic location for Portugal’s naval base and to control maritime business in the Indian Ocean. To the Portuguese Panjim, a small village located at the mouth of the Mandovi river had a very strategic location. After the liberation of Goa Panjim was renamed Panaji. The Portuguese rule lasted 450 years.Goa finds a mention in Mahabharat where Goa has been mentioned as Gomantak. Portuguese is the language spoken by most Goans till it was liberated from Portugal in 1961. But today Marathi is widely spoken and the Goans recognise Marathi as their mother tongue. But the legacy of the Portuguese is still found with the earlier generation.

Without hesitation it can be well said that without the Portuguese coming to India we would have been poorer so far as our food habits are concerned.

The author is the former Head Department of Geography, St. Edmund’s College

Meghalaya among 9 states to withdraw general consent to CBI

As many as nine states, including Telangana and Meghalaya, have withdrawn the general consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for probing certain offences.

The information was disclosed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh during the winter session of the Parliament in December 2022.

The minister informed the House that as per Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the CBI requires the consent of the respective state governments to conduct investigations in their jurisdiction.

The state governments had granted general consent to the CBI for the investigation of a specified class of offences against specified categories of persons, enabling the agency to register and investigate those specified matters, Singh elaborated. However, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal have withdrawn the general consent to the CBI to investigate cases. This move could potentially create roadblocks for the CBI to investigate cases in these states.

Non-BJP-ruled states have accused the CBI of “selectively targeting” Opposition leaders.

The withdrawal of consent could also affect the CBI’s ability to investigate cases that have national significance or interstate ramifications. It remains to be seen how the CBI will navigate these challenges and continue to discharge its duties effectively.

This development highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the DSPE Act, 1946, and its provisions related to the CBI’s jurisdiction and powers.

In March this year, a Parliamentary Committee emphasised the withdrawal of general consent for the CBI probe by several states and stated that the existing law governing the federal probe agency has “several limitations”.

The committee has suggested the need to enact new legislation that defines the CBI’s status, functions, and powers.

“The Committee feels that the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act has many limitations and therefore, recommends that there is a need to enact a new law and define the status, functions and powers of the CBI and also lay down safeguards to ensure objectivity and impartiality in its functioning,” it said.

Rudra Vikram Singh, Supreme Court lawyer said that withdrawal of general consent means CBI does not have the general consent of a state government, it is required to apply for consent on a case-by-case basis and cannot act before the consent is given.

“However CBI can continue to investigate cases in a state registered prior to the withdrawal of general consent. In July 2022, the Calcutta High Court, in a case of illegal coal mining and cattle smuggling being investigated by the CBI, ruled that the central agency cannot be stopped from investigating a Central government employee in another state,” said Singh.

“In its order, the High Court observed that corruption cases across the country must be treated equally and that Central government employees could not be exempted from an investigation on the grounds that their offices were located in states that have withdrawn general consent. The judgment also said that withdrawal of general consent and its ramifications would be applicable in cases where exclusively state government employees were involved,” he added.

This order, however, has been challenged in the Supreme Court, where the matter is still pending. Hence, as it stands, the CBI can use the Calcutta High Court order to its advantage to carry on certain investigations until the order is struck down by the Supreme Court.

Gurmeet Nehra, legal scholar and member of the Supreme Court Bar Association said that CBI can approach the local court of that state for issuing a search warrant and it can register a case in Delhi and proceed with the investigation.