Classrooms in tea garden schools across eastern Assam have turned musical this winter with ‘Sur Sangam - Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt’. Held on January 16-17 at Senairam Higher Secondary School, Tinsukia, the competition saw 63 students from 22 tea garden model schools participate after school-level rounds. This state-supported initiative by Assam’s Department of Education (Secondary) and The Hans Foundation aims to foster music skills and overall growth among students from tea garden and Adivasi communities. Sur Sangam is part of the ‘Uttam Xikhya’ programme, which adds music education into school curriculums. Dedicated music teachers help students explore creativity along with academics. Auditions also took place in Sonitpur and Dibrugarh districts. From the 63 contestants, 30 qualified for the pre-State level competition in Dibrugarh on January 21. Fifteen finalists will compete in the grand finale in Guwahati on February 10. Reetam Kumar Sarma of The Hans Foundation said, “Sur Sangam reflects our shared commitment to creating platforms where children from tea garden communities can discover and express their musical abilities. What we saw in Tinsukia clearly shows the impact of structured music education and sustained mentoring.” Mamata Hojai, Director of Education (Secondary), added, “The Government of Assam remains committed to promoting co-curricular education in tea garden schools and encouraging students to pursue creative excellence alongside academics.” The event is more than a contest; it is a platform for confidence, discipline, and self-expression among students who rarely get such chances. Ahead of Assam’s Assembly elections, this initiative also quietly highlights the importance of tea garden communities, a key voter group. For many students, Sur Sangam is a golden chance to shine and dream beyond the tea estates, one song at a time.