As part of its initiative to enhance holistic education within tea garden communities, The Hans Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Secondary Education of Assam, has launched a comprehensive music talent hunt and mentorship program across 54 Model Schools within the tea garden districts of Sonitpur, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh. This is part of the foundation’s ongoing Uttam Xikhya program, which aims to improve educational access, quality, and outcome for tea tribe children, with plans to expand from 54 to 101 schools by April 2025.
During a meeting on April 4, 2025, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma underscored the necessity for structured co-curricular and vocational activities, specifically music education, to aid in the overall development of students in these areas. Following this guidance, The Hans Foundation has established formal music education programs across all participating schools, employing dedicated music teachers. Over the past months, these programs have successfully engaged approximately 14,000 tea tribe students, who have shown keen participation in music classes offered weekly, bi-weekly, and tri-weekly.
Building on this foundation, the organization is now facilitating a statewide music competition to discover and foster exceptional talent. The competition will include auditions across all Model Schools over the next month, leading to district-level selections, from which 160 students will be shortlisted for a pre-state competition in Dibrugarh on January 21. In this event, the top 15 students, selected for advanced mentorship, will undergo grooming and training in Guwahati, culminating in a grand finale on February 6, where the top five musicians will be announced.
Jurismita Puzari, Program Manager for North East at The Hans Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s belief in empowering children through education that transcends traditional academics. She noted that music serves as a crucial medium for self-expression and personal development, particularly for marginalized communities. The participation of over 14,000 students demonstrates that, while opportunities may be limited, talent is not constrained by circumstance. Through this mentorship program, The Hans Foundation aims to transform the lives of deserving children by providing them platforms, long-term educational support, and exposure.
Additionally, the winners of the competition will receive educational scholarships up to the post-graduation level, along with a visit to renowned playback singer Suresh Wadkar’s music institute in Mumbai, alongside other awards.
Smt. Mamta Hojai, Director of Secondary Education in Assam, reiterated the government’s commitment to the holistic development of students, particularly from tea garden communities. She stated that the integration of co-curricular activities, such as music, into the Model Schools echoes this commitment and that the collaboration with The Hans Foundation has positively influenced educational outcomes. This initiative aspires to showcase the hidden talents of tea tribe children, reinforce the importance of arts education, and cultivate creativity and confidence, ultimately providing greater future opportunities for these students. The initiative stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Secondary Education and The Hans Foundation in promoting inclusive, quality education for these communities.
