Students from Town Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung, performing a short play titled Blind Man at the Silver jubilee celebration of APAT at AOngza Ki on May 25.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 25
The Associates for performing Arts & Theatricals (APAT) celebrated its Silver Jubilee marked by tributes, speeches, and presentations on 25 May at Aongza Ki, Mokokchung under the theme “Towards a Transformative Art”
The programme began with a tribute to the APAT founding members led by Sentimenlaand the welcome address byT. Talitemsu, Chairman, APAT. R. Longritemjen Ao, Executive Secretary, APAT, presented a short speech on APAT’s history and achievements, capturing the legacy and growth of the association, where he stated that the association held its first meeting on May 25, 2000 and the first event of APAT was hosted on December 11, 2000 at Town Hall, Mokokchung.
Temjenzungba Kechu, Assistant Professor at Mokokchung College of Teacher Education, delivered the keynote address on the jubilee theme. In his address, Kechu acknowledged the contributions of APAT, calling it "perhaps the first theatrical group in Nagaland." He highlighted the importance of recognizing such pioneering efforts in the state’s cultural and educational landscape.
He emphasized that education is often kept in a vacuum, and integrating art into the system could pave the way towards a transformative art. He advocated for the inclusion of creativity and art in the educational curriculum, stating that art is not merely about acting but it intersects with every aspect of daily life. By embracing this integration, he said, society as a whole can grow and prosper.
Imyaba Ao, District Cultural Officer of Mokokchung, also delivered a short speech where he highlighted the cultural and social relevance of APAT’s work in the region.
In the jubilee programme, the Jubilee Theme Song was presented by Christian Washir, while the Jubilee Souvenir was released by Akok Walling, Advisor, APAT and the Jubilee Memento was unveiled by M. BendangnukshiLongkumer, Advisor, APAT.
Students from Town Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung, performed a short play titled Blind Man.
Tsukti Longkumer, Member, Silver Jubilee Organizing Committee, extended the vote of thanks and the event concluded with a thanksgiving and closing prayer offered by WapangnaroPongen, Councillor of MMC.
As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, APAT adopted a resolution to host the school-level drama competition in 2025.
