Abu Metha with others during the All Nagaland Open Folk Song and Folk Fusion competition at Khuzama village, Kohima on November 5.
Morung Express news
Kohima | November 5
The Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Abu Metha today opined that India and the tourism industry alone will spend 45 billion dollars in tourism in 2022 which was according to experts and studies despite the aftermath of COVID 19 Pandemic.
He made this comment during the All Nagaland Open Folk Song and Folk Fusion competition organised at Khuzama village, Kohima by the Kekhrie Krotho in collaboration with TaFMA under the theme Prism of Opportunities. Metha observed if Nagaland can get even one percent out of the 45 billion dollars, which he mentioned will accrue to 3375 crore rupees, will be capable of changing the economy and face of Nagaland. Metha said this will rope in many opportunities and job avenues adding that this region has tremendous scope of tourism additionally because of the Hornbill Festival.
He called to understand the vision and scope in this area keeping in mind the rich cultural heritage that we Nagas are proud of.
Hornbill Festival, the Advisor cited was “today the most single intellectual property and exemplify everything that Nagaland is and more.” The festival brings all Naga people and Naga tribe under one umbrella where we celebrate Naga way of life and practice the culture of our forefathers. Naga brands he also added are famous because of Hornbill Festival.
In this regard, Metha also opined that Southern Angamis were “ambassadors and host of the festival because it is the people of this part who interacts with the tourists or visitors calling it a huge responsibility which also have huge potential for tourism industry.”
He later said the village is a well known village not just among Angamis but throughout the state. Khuzama has given its best sons and daughters of the Naga people be it politics, Naga movement, Naga statehood and appreciated the village for the positive contribution towards the growth and development of the state in various arenas.
Later, special guest inspected the stall exhibition and visited village Pucho Hibo Museum situated in the village.
Earlier, TaFMA Advisor Theja Meru conveyed special greeting and the programme was hosted by Natalia Rhütso, Organizing Committee In the competition session, Dr Bernice Thaprü, Joint Director (TI), NSACS delivered short speech.
In the folk fusion competition, Seyiekolie Beio was the winner and Thejariano won Under 12 category; Vilazonuo Rutsa in Solo Folk Song; Tikhir Folk Fusion in Group Folk Fusion; and Tsahoro Kro in Group Folk song respectively.
The judges were Gideon Thono, Music Studies from the Philippines (Composition and Conducting); Mengu Soukhrie, Singer and Songwriter and Mhaseve Tetseo, Music Producer, Artiste and Guitarist.
