The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, in collaboration with ARHI and the Folk Culture Research Centre of Northeast India, hosted a half-day event titled “Strings of Traditions: Cultural Economy and Folk Instruments of Northeast India” at Samvet Auditorium under its Janapada Sampada Department on Tuesday, March 25.

The inaugural session, chaired by Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean of Administration at IGNCA, was attended by Raju Das, Secretary of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, as the Guest of Honour, Prof. Anil Kumar (HOD, Janapada Sampada Department), and Smita Barooah, a social activist, as a special guest. The session also witnessed the launch of FOLK, a pioneering e-journal published by the Folk Culture Research Centre of Northeast India, dedicated to documenting and revitalizing the region’s endangered intangible cultural heritage.

The inaugural issue of FOLK focuses on “Folk Instruments of Northeast India” and the “Cultural Economy of the Region”, shedding light on traditions at risk of fading due to globalization, urbanization, and dwindling transmission across generations. The journal serves as a scholarly platform to explore the symbiotic relationship between cultural practices and economic sustainability in Northeast India, emphasizing how folk arts contribute to livelihoods and community identity.

The programme featured a photo exhibition of ethnic musical instruments from Northeast India, followed by the screening of two documentaries, “Ka Shna Sur” and “Rhythms of Resilience”. A panel discussion on the theme “Strings of Tradition: Cultural Economy and Folk Musical Instruments was conducted, featuring experts who shared insights on the socio-economic and spiritual significance of folk music traditions.

Panelists highlighted challenges faced by folk musicians, including the influence of contemporary music, diminishing interest among youth, and insufficient governmental support. Strategies proposed included integrating folk music into education, fostering artisan cooperatives, and leveraging digital platforms to amplify reach.

Dibya Jyoti Borah, Chairman of ARHI, also emphasized the cultural economy of Northeast India as a vital yet understudied domain, intertwined with the region’s ecological diversity and oral histories. He praised FOLK for bridging academia and grassroots wisdom, with future editions slated to cover themes like Indigenous textiles, folk theatre, and healing traditions.