OMAS launches ‘Project Rhythm’ on Foundation Day

BIJOY GURUNG

Year-long initiative to provide musical instruments to students in remote schools

GANGTOK, : The Organisation of Musicians & Artistes of Sikkim (OMAS) celebrated its 13th foundation day on Tuesday with the launch of Project Rhythm, a social initiative aimed at providing musical instruments to students in remote schools across the State.

Health Department chairman Phurba Rinzing Sherpa launched Project Rhythm during the foundation day programme at Gangtok Groove here, which was attended by special guests, OMAS executives and members, and local musicians.

Project Rhythm is a year-long initiative under which OMAS will collect unused musical instruments from the public and donate them to schools, particularly in remote areas. The initiative aims to empower rural students by giving them access to instruments so they can pursue their musical interests.

OMAS has also invited financial contributions for the initiative, which will run until March 17, 2027. The collected instruments will later be distributed in collaboration with the SKM Students’ Wing.

Introducing the initiative, OMAS founding member Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha said that contributions ranging from guitars and violins to drums and other equipment would help children learn, explore, and express themselves through music.

Tshering Wangchuk, who is also the Chief Minister’s additional political secretary (Gangtok district), recalled that OMAS was formed in 2013 to address the challenges faced by local artistes and musicians, including lack of recognition and fair remuneration.

He said that the situation has improved significantly under the SKM government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, with increased support and encouragement for local artistes.

“After the SKM government under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, our local artistes and musicians have received huge support and encouragement and previous issues have been addressed. The SKM government is doing a lot for the local artistes of Sikkim,” said Tshering Wangchuk.

Speaking about Project Rhythm, he described it as OMAS’s contribution to the State government’s efforts to promote musical talent.

“We have young students in villages who aspire to pursue music but are unable to do so because they lack musical instruments. Through ‘Project Rhythm’, OMAS aims to bridge that gap by collecting usable musical instruments from the people and support such students. We also welcome financial donations and the raised funds will be used in purchasing musical instruments,” said Tshering Wangchuk.

Donors can deposit instruments at the additional political secretary’s office at the Gangtok Administration Centre, Mandarava Hotel in Sichey, Gangtok Groove, and Axis Bank in Development Area.

After the one-year collection drive, OMAS will collaborate with the SKM Students’ Wing to distribute the instruments to schools across Sikkim.

On the occasion, OMAS also handed over certificates to three individuals as brand ambassadors of Project Rhythm. They include Education Department secretary Tashi Chophel, SUSA president Debya Karki, and young musician Nyizang Palmu Bhutia.

In his address, chief guest Phurba Rinzing Sherpa lauded OMAS for its work in supporting local artistes and praised the new initiative, stating that it would help fulfil the aspirations of many young musicians in the State.

Earlier, OMAS president Tshering Leezum Bhutia delivered the welcome address, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony attended by the chief guest, guests of honour, and OMAS members.