“Flavours of Mei-Ramew”, one of the first of series of pre-events of the Indigenous Terra Madre 2015 was hosted on 13th October, 2015 in Shillong, by Bah Phrang Roy, Chairman - NESFAS and the Chief Secretary, Bah P.B.O. Wajri. The evening brought together all stakeholders from the Government and communities to highlight two essential elements of the ITM 2015 – Food and Music. The Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma was the Chief Guest for an evening that saw the release of the ITM 2015 Theme song, which is now being heard across radio waves and venues around the city.

Titled Ko Mei-Ramew (O Mother Earth), the theme song is truly a fusion of traditional music, instruments and lyrics that resonate with every tribe of Meghalaya. Said Dr. Sangma at the event: "The music is a shared reflection of the dedication and determination that came from the team that came together in this wonderful theme song that truly reflects the wide diversity of our culture."

Centered on the theme of ITM 2015, "The future we want: Indigenous perspectives and actions," the song sings of Mother Earth and the connection that the Indigenous peoples have with Her. Ko Mei-Ramew is the cumulative efforts of celebrated lyricists, musicians and singers of Meghalaya. The rhythms, tunes and traditional shouts in the song are all borrowed from not just the tribes of Meghalaya but from other parts of the North-Eastern region of India and are stitched together beautifully to reflect the collaboration. The song speaks of land, agriculture, harvest, food, traditions and celebrations. Voiced in several languages including Khasi, Garo, Pnar and English, this unique composition is by Kit Shangpliang and team, a Shillong based musical company, who painstakingly collaborated with the organizers over many sessions to come up with this song. The soulful music and catchy chorus line will make it the tune on everyone’s lips and in everyone’s hearts, come the 3rd of November.

“O Mother Earth,

Let the hills and rivers live eternally in our land,

O Mother Earth,

Let the rice and millet spread abundantly in my cultivated land,

O Mother Earth,

The future that we want

One mind, one hope, one life”

The artists who brought Ko Mei-Ramew, to life include well known artists of Meghalaya like Mr. Kit Shangpliang, Key lyrics and melody; Mr. Phyrnai Marbaniang, Lyrics Verification and Additional Melody; Mr. Tengnad Sangma, Lyrics and Melody line for Garo verse; Ms. Amabel Susngi, Lyrics for second verse in Pnar; Mr. Maxter Warjri, Melody Structuring; Mr. Rangdap Kharshiing, rhythm and overall structuring.      

The Indigenous Terra Madre 2015 will be held in Shillong, Meghalaya on the 3^rd – 7^th November. It is a global congregation of Indigenous Peoples sharing their food ways, along with their musical, cultural and weaving traditions.