Ibari Kharsati, the Principal of Pearly Dew School, was amazed at the turnout at her school when her only intention to allow the concert to be held at her school was to encourage her students to interact with students of other schools and bind them together in the spirit of music, peace and love. “I wanted my students to be exposed to other activities apart from education. My concept of education is wholesome and that includes aesthetic, music, creativity, sports and being good human beings”, said Kharsati. Further, she said that her school is located in an area where the sense of communalism is overpowering, so through this concert she wants to change the mindset of the children and the neighbourhood. A mighty task but definitely an effort that needs to be appreciated.  The school children were not only spectators but also participated through songs and poems, not to forget the enthusiasm and spirit that they added to the whole event through their cheering and dancing.
Moving on, the 69th birthday celebration of Bob Dylan, is an unbroken tradition in Shillong since 1972 and the driving force behind it is none other than the reputed musician Lou Majaw who is a household name in the North East region and as it turns out a household name in many parts of India. The celebration this time around has amazingly brought Bob Dylan fans to Shillong who are eager to meet Lou Majaw, the closest person they can get to experience Dylan’s music and spirit. These fans have come all the way from Hyderabad, Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Guwahati, particularly just to be a part of the annual fest. Take for instance, Jasper Dawson, an architect from Hyderabad who took this celebration ‘as an excuse’ to come to Shillong and even participate in it. “This is my first time to the eastern part of India, let alone Shillong”, said Jasper, “but my love for Dylan drew me to this place”, he added with a beam on his face. He got the information through the internet and he contacted Lou Majaw and got to Shillong. He is an architect with his own firm in Hyderabad but singing and playing the guitar is his hobby. “I sing mostly Dylan songs and some church music”, he said. Amazingly, Jasper learned the English language by listening to Bob Dylan’s songs and lyrics. “I am a fan of Dylan for forty years now. His words, music and emotion have made an impact in my life”, said Jasper and his rendition of ‘Tambourine Man’, ‘Just Like Woman’, with a guitar and mouth organ in place, clearly proves this fact.
As mentioned, the first phase of the celebration at the school premises was a blast with children dancing and singing along with Lou Majaw. Other performers included the band ‘The Bad Monkeys’, a young performer, Dalarity Kharnaior, who sang with her young powerful voice, the famous ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ and of course the climax of the show with Lou Majaw singing his version of ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ which made everyone get off their seats and dance.  Not to forget that the students of Riti Academy of Visual Art also displayed their skills on canvas.
However, the second phase of the celebration at Police Bazar, did not fare as well in comparison. The spirit of celebration was the same but the sound output and the chaotic venue kind of dampened the celebration a little bit. However, Lou Majaw never fails to disappoint. His showmanship overpowered it all and the crowd was jumping and dancing to his songs, dance, and screams.  The other performers at the event in the evening were Andrew, Rafael, Amir apart from The Bad Monkeys, Dalarity  Kharnaior and Jasper Dawson. The show at Khyndailad, Police Bazar managed to draw a good crowd; those who actually came for the show and others who were just passing through. Nonetheless, music never fails to disappoint and music never fails to unite. All were in for a good time and they got it. Whether they love Bob Dylan or even heard of him at all does not really matter.
As for sixty three year old Lou Majaw, he will continue to sing Dylan’s songs and carry on the tradition of celebrating Dylan’s birthday. He said that Dylan’s songs have changed his life from the very first time he was introduced to them in 1966. Lou Majaw is best known for these ‘Bob Dylan Birthday concerts’ and a film has been made on him by noted film maker Ranjan Palit entitled ‘Forever Young’, a title taken from a famous song of Dylan. One look at Lou Majaw would definitely make you think that he sure is going to stay ‘forever young’.
Majaw, a self-taught musician and a household name in the North East now has a new mission. Through impromptu campus gigs, he is taking Dylan’s music to thousands of children across schools in Meghalaya.
Speaking about his association with Star Cement, Lou Majaw said, “I am very grateful to Star Cement for coming forward to sponsor this year’s concert. As you are aware I am their Brand Ambassador and have been featured in their campaign “Our North- East, Our Star” along with the legendary Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Mami Varte and Sourabhee Debburma. The campaign is a very emotional one which portrays the love for the Motherland. The creative team at Star Cement has been doing a very good job and they have many more things up their sleeves which I’m sure is going to delight everyone.”
Leading cement manufacturer of the Northeast Cement Manufacturing Company Ltd. (CMCL) is the sole sponsor of the event to promote the music culture of the region. Mr. Jyoti Agarwal, VP (Sales & Marketing), Star Cement said, “If people really, really listen, if they really see the meaning of what Dylan’s writings are — We are sure that we shouldn’t have had any war; everything would be so peaceful.” He said, “Here in the hills everyone is very fond of music. When these people celebrate, they celebrate with music.” He said, “Star Cement has taken this effort to reach out to the people of the North East and are asking them to celebrate the power of togetherness. The Bob Dylan concert is a part of that glorious attempt. We hope that this festival will further promote tourism in our state and will help to spread Dylan’s gospel, his art, poetry and philosophy besides regional tradition and culture of music.”

 

R. Khyriem