The Khiamniungan Naga, winners of ‘Voice of the Youth’ folk song competition held at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, Kohima on October 28. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, October 29 (MExN): As part of the year-long celebration commemorating 90 years of radio broadcasting in India, Akashvani, Kohima in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) and the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), hosted ‘Voice of the Youth’ folk song competition at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, on October 28.
The Voice of the Youth Folk Song Competition featured captivating performances by 15 tribes of Nagaland each showcasing their distinct musical traditions and rich cultural heritage, stated a press release.
Khiamniungan Naga emerged as the winner, securing the first prize of Rs 50,000, followed by the Konyak Naga, which bagged the second prize of Rs 40,000, and the Sangtam Naga, which received the third prize of Rs 30,000. Khiamniungan and Zeliang Naga were awarded Rs 20,000 each for best traditional attire in the special category, while consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 were presented to the Chang, Yimkhiung, Kuki, and Angami Naga.
In her welcome address, Ella Kayina, Head of Programme at Akashvani Kohima, stated that the station has been organising a series of activities to mark the milestone, including essay competitions for government school students and a Hindi singing competition.
She informed that a folk song competition held today was also a part of the commemoration, with related events scheduled to continue till June 2026.
Kayina highlighted the significant contribution of Akashvani Kohima at both regional and national levels, noting that it broadcasts 15 tribal dialect programmes, each lasting 30 minutes, exclusively on its primary channel. “These dialect programmes are the backbone of our station,” she said, adding that representatives from these programmes were among the audience.
A special presentation by Tikhir Women Union, Kohima, also featured during the event.
The panel of judges included James Shikiye Swu, composer, conductor and music educator; Vesato Theluo, Managing Director, Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts (NCMFA); and Eli Imti, singer, songwriter and soloist.
The programme was compered by Vizosienuo Shüya and Kaihrü Henry Chisüte, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Khriesaneisa Rutsa, Programme Executive (Coordination), Akashvani Kohima.
The prize money was sponsored by North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, while the Task Force for Music and Arts (TAFMA) served as the venue partner.
