The Flavours of Mei – Ramew, one of the first of series of pre-events of the Indigenous Terra Madre 2015 was hosted by Bah Phrang Roy, Chairman-NESFAS and the Chief Secretary, Bah P.B.O. Wajri. The evening brought together all stakeholders from the Government and communities to highlight two essential elements of the ITM 2015– Food and Music. The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Mukal Sangma was the Chief Guest for the evening that saw the release of the ITM 2015 Theme Song which will be soon heard across radio waves and venues around the city.
Titled “Ko Mei-Ramew,” the theme song is truly a fusion of traditional music, instruments and lyrics that resonate every tribe of Meghalaya. The song brought well-known artists of Meghalaya like Kit Shangpliang, Key Lyrics and Melody; Mr. Phyrnai Marbaniang, Lyrics Verification and Additional Melody; Mr. Tengnad Sangma, Translation for Garo verse; Ms. Amabel Susngi, Translation for verse in Pnar; Mr. Maxter Warjri, Melody Structuring; Mr. Rangdap Kharshiing, rhythm and overall structuring. Says Mukul, ” The music was a shared reflection of the dedication and determination that came from the team. This wonderful theme song truly reflects the wide diversity of our culture.”
Post the release of the song NESFAS Cooks Alliance presented the first tasting of the ITM 2015 indigenous menus to the CM. Alongside, the members of the press were also present to witness first-hand the dishes developed by the rural and urban cooks.
Kong Plantina Mujai from Khweng, Ri-Bhoi District was one of the voices of the 15 cooks who said “I have used the Ark of Taste product which is disappearing from our region, like lapong marit (lemon basil) and paddy field fish with pickled bamboo shoot water to give a taste of what we have developed over generations.” The Cooks Alliance had Chef Basumatri of Nagaland and Border Area Development Officer stationed at Tura- Ms Gunme Marak, from Garo Hills adding value to the Meghalaya buffet table. The CM shared his appreciation saying, ” It is important to know the ingredients, their source and benefits; this overall thought when cooking not just satisfies the taste buds but also leads to good health and well being. And in this will lie the success of the ITM menus to be experienced at the Mei-Ramew Food festival in Mawphlang”
