Government of Meghalaya launches state’s own OTT platform, Hello Meghalaya

In a bid to promote language and culture, the Government of Meghalaya has launched its own OTT platform, ‘Hello Meghalaya.’ The platform, which was recently introduced at the Lariti International Center for Performing Arts and Culture, marks a significant milestone as Meghalaya becomes the first state in India to launch an OTT platform aimed at monetizing youth passion.

Hello Meghalaya aims to engage the state’s vast youth population in productive activities and drive economic growth. The platform offers a diverse array of content, including movies, music videos, short films, and more. For filmmakers, the platform provides up to Rs. 5 lakhs per film, with additional funding available for nationally or internationally acclaimed works. Content creators can earn Rs. 18,000 per month for maximum uploads, with additional funds based on viewership.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the platform’s potential to revolutionize opportunities for local talent. “This is going to be a very important game-changer for the talents and an opportunity like never before for the filmmakers and musicians of our state,” he said. He encouraged the people of Meghalaya to support the platform by viewing content and thus enabling payments to the local creative talent pool.

The government also plans to stream key live events on the app, such as state football league matches, music festivals, and events from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP). “The intent is to make the content and events available to everybody in the state,” added the Chief Minister.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh spoke on the impact of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, noting that it supports over 3,000 musicians in the state. “The collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe today will give a platform to Shillong/Meghalaya-based artists to perform in Hard Rock Cafes across the country,” Lyngdoh said. “We are over the top with today’s launch, confident that the content creators and awardees will be inspired to take arts seriously. We are trying to bridge the gap between potential and possibilities.”

Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang emphasized the government’s commitment to job creation through cultural initiatives. “Meghalaya is brimming with activities, and the government is committed to creating jobs,” he said. He described Hello Meghalaya as not just a digital platform but a celebration of cultural heritage. “It is a groundbreaking initiative and first-of-its-kind in the country.”

The launch event featured a video teaser of Hello Meghalaya and the presentation of the Meghalaya Content Creators Award 2024. Winners across 14 categories were recognized, including 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.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was excited about the platform and had discussed possibilities for national and global collaboration in music, arts, and culture. Sangma urged the people of the state to join the platform and support local talent, highlighting the government’s dedication to preserving and promoting the languages and cultural heritage of Meghalaya.