Shillong, Feb. 23: Vote for an indigenous singer — is the catch word the Tripura Students’ Federation and her fans in Shillong wanted to popularise in the campaign to drum up support for Indian Idol finalist and Tripura girl Sourabhee Debbarma.

Addressing a news conference here, the president of the students’ union, Upendra Debbarma, said it was time that the region’s singer is voted as the next Indian Idol in the grand finale on March 1.

Shillong has made a mark in the music world and Shillong music lovers can help Sourabhee win the title, Debbarma said. Moreover, Shillong’s Amit Paul had become the Indian Idol runner-up last year with support from all sections of people of Meghalaya.

According to the students’ federation, all the people in the Northeast voted for Sourabhee in her bid to reach the final and now she needs more support and blessings from the people of the region to win the title.

The president of Borok Women’s Forum, Sunita Debbarma said as Sourabhee is the first indigenous singer to become Indian Idol finalist, the indigenous people in the Northeast have all the more reason to rejoice and ensure that Sourabhee makes it all the way to the title.

She also said it was a proud moment for the women in the Northeast since Sourabhee is the only female singer from the region who could excel in the field of music by participating in the contest.

Though the people of the Northeast are not well versed in Hindi, Sourabhee could sing excellently, earning praise from the judges of the Indian Idol show.

The Federation, which had campaigned for Sourabhee in Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar and Shillong besides Tripura, will also move to the outskirts to garner support for the talented singer.

Sunil Kalai from the Sourabhee Fans’ Club said Sourabhee had all the qualities to win the Indian Idol crown provided that people vote for her whole heartedly.

The Sourabhee Fans’ Club members also informed that Sourabhee, who did not have any formal education in music, was pioneer in releasing a Tripuri musical album.

Music was her passion and she never missed a music concert in Tripura in the past, Kalai said.

According to the students’ body, as the Indian Idol contest is based on SMS votes, there are chances that the opponent may get more votes than Sourabhee.

“Irrespective of her winning the title, the people of Tripura will celebrate her achievement,” the union added.