Shillong: In a bid to promote local languages and monetize youth passion, the state government of Meghalaya launched its own OTT platform, Hello Meghalaya, on Thursday at the LARITI International Center for Performing Arts and Culture.
This initiative marks Meghalaya as the first state in India to introduce an OTT platform focused on engaging the youth in productive activities and fostering economic growth.
Hello Meghalaya offers a diverse range of content, including movies, music videos, short films, and more. The platform aims to provide significant financial support to filmmakers, offering up to Rs. 5 lakhs per film, with additional funding for nationally or internationally acclaimed films. Content creators receive Rs. 18,000 monthly for maximum uploads, with further funds allocated based on view counts. Short video and short film makers also benefit from the platform.
The government plans to stream key live events on the app, such as football matches from the state leagues, music festivals, and Meghalaya Government Music Programme (MGMP) events. This initiative aims to make content and events accessible to everyone in the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the state’s efforts to preserve and promote local languages. He stated, “This platform is a game-changer for our talents and offers unprecedented opportunities for filmmakers and musicians in our state.” He encouraged the people of Meghalaya to join the platform and support local creative talents. Sangma also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed excitement about the platform and suggested exploring national and global collaborations in music, arts, and culture.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasized the platform’s potential to boost the local arts scene, noting that 3,000 musicians are already earning through MGMP. He announced a new collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe, which will provide Shillong and Meghalaya-based artists with opportunities to perform across the country. Lyngdoh added, “We are thrilled with today’s launch and confident that content creators will be inspired to pursue the arts seriously. We aim to bridge the gap between potential and possibilities.”
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Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang assured that the government is committed to job creation and supporting the vibrant activities in Meghalaya. He described Hello Meghalaya as a celebration of cultural heritage and a groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in the country.
The event included the screening of a video teaser for Hello Meghalaya and the presentation of the Meghalaya Content Creators Award 2024, a government initiative. The winners, honored across 14 categories, were Jr Storyteller Lyndon, Green-Tech Foundation, Warimeki Lyngwa, Triyan Babilsi, Grace Marbaniang, Akkim Tito A. Momin, Chiiung, Dr. Kham Chyrmang, Pema Leilani Ward Kyndiah, Rachel Anne Nongkhlaw, Saldorik D. Sangma, Wanjop Sohkhlet, Yoomani Myria, Biria Shillong, Dapalei Stacy Warjri, and Ferdinand Rani.
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