Byatikram Group’s second edition of “Remembering the Maestro – S.D. Burman” at U Soso Tham Auditorium underscores the growing economic potential of cultural initiatives in Northeast India. Supported by the Government of Tripura, Meghalaya’s Department of Arts and Culture, HDFC Bank, The Illumis Clinic, NERIM, and NEDFi, the event reflects increasing private-public collaboration in heritage-based cultural investment.
The evening began with Meghalaya Governor Shri Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar, followed by a 69-artist medley representing the maestro’s 69-year life, signaling high-value engagement of local talent in scalable cultural productions. Felicitations of legal, corporate, and artistic leaders highlighted cross-sectoral support, reinforcing the economic multiplier effect of well-organized cultural events.
A key highlight was the “S.D. Burman Byatikram Lifetime Achievement Award” conferred to Shillong musician Rudy Wallang, signaling growing monetization and recognition pathways for regional artists. The Governor’s suggestion to establish an S.D. Burman Academy of Music points toward long-term infrastructure investment in arts education, potentially stimulating job creation and skills development.
Performances by Jayati Bhattacharjee, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Binita Devi, Sur Manjari, and dance ensembles demonstrated strong consumer demand for curated cultural experiences. Byatikram Group’s initiative illustrates how strategic investment in arts and heritage can drive regional economic growth, attract talent, and expand Northeast India’s cultural market footprint.