Guwahati, Feb 11: The Grand Finale of Sur Sangam – Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt concluded on a high note in Guwahati, celebrating the musical talent, confidence and creativity of students from tea garden communities across Assam. The state-wide initiative is jointly implemented by The Hans Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Secondary Education, Government of Assam.
Held at the Sri Sri Damodardev International Auditorium, the Grand Finale witnessed vibrant performances by the Top 16 finalists, culminating in compelling live presentations that reflected months of structured training and rigorous evaluation across tea garden belts of Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.
The event was graced by Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of Assam, as the Chief Guest, and renowned Indian playback singer and Padma Shri awardee Suresh Wadkar as the Guest of Honour, renowned singer Padma Wadkar, renowned film director Bharat Bala Ganapathy, along with senior officials from the Government of Assam and representatives of The Hans Foundation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ranoj Pegu said, “The Government of Assam is continuously working to ensure that students from underserved and marginalised communities receive the best possible opportunities to discover and develop their talents. Initiatives like Sur Sangam reflect our commitment to holistic education, where students are encouraged to grow not only academically but also creatively and culturally.”
Padma Shri awardee Suresh Wadkar praised the initiative and the young performers, stating, “I was deeply moved by the sincerity, discipline and musical depth displayed by these young performers. Sur Sangam is a beautiful initiative that brings hidden talent into the spotlight. I am excited to welcome the winners to my academy in Mumbai and support them as they take the next steps in their musical journey.”
Ahead of the Grand Finale, the judgement and evaluation process was conducted on February 9, where the Top 16 contestants were assessed by an eminent jury comprising Dikshu Sarma, Kallol Borthakur, Ruppankita Papari and Arupjyoti Baruah. The jury evaluated participants on musicality, vocal technique, expression, originality and stage presence before announcing the final results.
Gyno Munda of Sonajuli TE Model School, Sonitpur, was declared the Winner of Sur Sangam – Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt. Anmol Kumar of Chandmari TE Model School, Tinsukia, secured the position of First Runner-Up, while Gojendra Gowala of Deodham TE Model School, Tinsukia, was named Second Runner-Up. Consolation Awards were presented to Anurag Sarma of Dikhari TE Model School, Dibrugarh; Rupali Nayak of Sepon TE Model School, Dibrugarh; and Punyadhar Tanti of Tara TE Model School, Tinsukia, in recognition of their commendable performances throughout the competition. Selected from among thousands of participants across tea garden areas, the awardees impressed the jury with their vocal ability, musical expression and confident stage presence.
The top 6 winners of Sur Sangam – Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt will receive education scholarships up to the post-graduation level, along with advanced mentorship at Suresh Wadkar’s music academy in Mumbai, in addition to certificates and other recognitions.
Sur Sangam – Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt is part of The Hans Foundation’s Uttam Xikhya programme, implemented across Model Schools in tea garden areas to integrate structured music education into the school ecosystem. The initiative has seen enthusiastic participation from thousands of tea garden students and highlights the role of co-curricular activities in enhancing confidence, engagement and overall student development.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Shweta Rawat, Founder and Chairperson, The Hans Foundation, said, “At The Hans Foundation, we believe that true education empowers children to express themselves and dream beyond their circumstances. Sur Sangam is not just a talent hunt; it is a platform of dignity, confidence and opportunity for children from tea garden communities. Seeing these students perform on such a grand stage reinforces our belief that talent flourishes when access and mentorship come together.”
Through Sur Sangam, the Government of Assam and The Hans Foundation continue to strengthen their shared commitment to inclusive, quality education, using music and the arts as powerful tools to nurture confidence, creativity and future opportunities for students across tea garden regions of the state.
