Risingbor Kurkalang, a master Khasi musician and craftsman from Laitkyrhong village in Meghalaya, India, plays a crucial role in preserving traditional Khasi music. His dedication to his culture through both music and craftsmanship has made him a symbol of cultural pride and continuity.
Early Life: A Deep Connection to Cultural Roots
Born into a farming family in Laitkyrhong, a village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills, Risingbor Kurkalang’s journey into traditional music started early. Deeply influenced by his grandfather, who had a profound love for Khasi music, Risingbor’s interest in the traditional sounds and instruments of his culture was sparked at a young age. This early exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong passion.
Mastering the Khasi Duitara: A Unique String Instrument
The Khasi Duitara, a unique string instrument, holds a special place in Khasi music. Risingbor Kurkalang focused his early musical efforts on mastering this instrument. For him, it wasn’t just about playing music—it was about preserving a vital part of his cultural identity. In his hands, the Duitara became a symbol of the resilience and richness of Khasi culture.
The Craft of Instrument Making: From Passion to Profession
Risingbor’s connection to Khasi music extended beyond performance. From a young age, he began crafting traditional instruments, a skill that would later define his career. His meticulous approach was rooted in a deep understanding of materials and techniques passed down through generations. By 2001, he became the first person from his village to manufacture and sell these instruments, turning his passion into a profession.
His workshop, where he primarily uses jackfruit wood for its acoustic qualities, serves as more than just a place of creation. It’s a hub for cultural preservation, where the art of instrument-making is kept alive and shared with others eager to learn.
Rising to Prominence: A Career Marked by Cultural Advocacy
Risingbor’s career gained significant momentum in 1990 when he was invited to record traditional Khasi music for All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra. This opportunity allowed him to bring the sounds of his culture to a broader audience. The exposure from these recordings opened doors for him to travel extensively across India, where he showcased not just his musical talents but also the handmade instruments that are so integral to Khasi music.
His travels gave him the opportunity to educate and inspire others about the importance of preserving traditional music. Risingbor’s work was not just about entertainment; it was about ensuring that the rich traditions of Khasi folk music did not fade into obscurity.
Participation in Exhibitions and Workshops: Sharing Knowledge and Expertise
Risingbor’s dedication to his craft has led him to participate in numerous key exhibitions and workshops, both in Meghalaya and beyond. He has been involved in events organized by the Government of Meghalaya and the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi, where his expertise in traditional instrument-making and Khasi music has been widely recognized.
A notable highlight of his career was participating in the Thoh Shun International Art Camp in 2006, which brought together artists and musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. His involvement in the International Festival on Inter-Cultural Dialogue in 2010 further solidified his role as a cultural ambassador for the Khasi people.
Musical Collaborations: Bridging Cultures
Risingbor’s influence and talent have crossed regional boundaries, leading to collaborations that bridge different cultures. In 2021, he composed and performed “Mei Mariang” for the album *Sai-thainki Sur* by the Khasi-Cymru collective. This project was a fusion of Khasi and Welsh music, highlighting the universal language of music and its power to connect diverse cultures.
In 2022, his collaboration with Welsh musician Gareth Bonello at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur was another milestone. This performance was a testament to how traditional music can adapt and thrive in a global context, bringing together artists from different backgrounds to create something unique and beautiful.
Recognition and Awards: Honoring a Life’s Work
Risingbor Kurkalang’s dedication to preserving Khasi folk music and craftsmanship earned him the prestigious Padma Shri in 2023, one of India’s highest civilian honors. This recognition wasn’t just a personal achievement for Risingbor; it was a celebration of Khasi culture. The award underscored the significance of his work in keeping traditional music and crafts alive in a rapidly changing world.
A Vision for the Future: Inspiring the Next Generation
Despite his numerous achievements, Risingbor Kurkalang remains committed to his mission of cultural preservation. He dreams of opening a music school dedicated to teaching Khasi music and instrument-making to the next generation. For him, this is not just about preserving the past but ensuring that Khasi cultural traditions continue to thrive in the future.
His story is one of dedication, resilience, and a deep love for his cultural heritage. Through his music and craftsmanship, Risingbor Kurkalang has become a symbol of how one person’s passion can make a profound difference in preserving and promoting the richness of traditional culture.
