Tinsukia auditions of ‘Sur Sangam’ witness participation from 22 tea garden model schools
Tinsukia, January 18, 2026: District-level auditions for Sur Sangam – Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt were held on January 16 and 17 at the Senairam H.S. School in Tinsukia, as part of a collaborative initiative by the Department of Education (Secondary), Government of Assam, and The Hans Foundation, North East to nurture musical talent among students from tea garden communities.
A total of 63 students participated in the Tinsukia district auditions, with students representing all the 22 tea garden model schools from the district. These students were shortlisted through preliminary school-level selections conducted under the structured music education programme being implemented across tea garden model schools.
“Sur Sangam” forms part of The Hans Foundation’s Uttam Xikhya programme, implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (Secondary), Government of Assam, with a focus on strengthening holistic education in model schools located in tea garden areas. The initiative integrates formal music education into the school curriculum through the engagement of dedicated music teachers, enabling students to develop creative skills alongside academic learning.
District-level auditions are being conducted across Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh, following which a total of 30 candidates will be selected to advance to the pre-state level competition to be held in Dibrugarh on January 21st. From the pre-state level, 15 candidates will be shortlisted for the grand finale, scheduled to be held in Guwahati on February 10.
The programme has been conceptualised not merely as a competition but as a sustained talent identification and mentorship platform aimed at building confidence, discipline and self-expression among students from tea garden communities.
Reetam Kr Sarma, Sr. Programme Manager at The Hans Foundation said, “Sur Sangam reflects our shared commitment to creating platforms that allow children from tea garden communities to discover and express their musical abilities. The performances at the Tinsukia auditions highlight the impact of structured music education and reinforce the importance of long-term mentorship and exposure in nurturing young talent from tea garden schools.”
Mamata Hojai, Director, Department of Education (Secondary), Government of Assam, said, “The Government of Assam remains committed to promoting holistic development of students, particularly those from tea garden areas. Sur Sangam strengthens the integration of co-curricular education within schools and encourages students to pursue creative excellence alongside academics.”
Students shortlisted from the district-level auditions will receive continued mentorship and exposure opportunities as they progress through the subsequent stages of the competition, reinforcing the shared vision of the Department of Education (Secondary), Government of Assam and The Hans Foundation to advance inclusive, quality education across tea garden communities.
