Morung Express News
Kohima | October 17
The 3rd State level Kala Utsav 2017 was held on October 17 at the Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire GHSS, Seikhazou, Kohima. Organised by the Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), Nagaland under the national theme ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat (One India, Great India)’, the art festival aims to strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing between the people in the state and the country.
The festival was graced by Neposo Theluo, Secretary to Government of Nagaland, Department of School Education and students from government schools participated in the competitions of traditional dance, visual arts and music.
Speaking on the common adage, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’, Limawabang Aier, State Mission Director, RMSA & State Nodal Officer, Kala Utsav considered that co-curricular activities in the schools are needed to break the monotony of daily routine. Further, traditional arts and crafts needs to be preserved and passed on to the young students which is a way to build up cultural unity of our country, viewed Aier, adding that such activities are one way to achieve a meaningful co-existence in the country afflicted with ethnic division. Aier encouraged the participants to compete in good spirit and ‘win with grace and lose with grace’.
“Our rich traditions are fast disappearing and vanishing,” said chief guest Neposo Theluo lamenting that today the young do not know their own traditions such as indigenous games, songs, dialects and dances. Theluo therefore hoped that the festival will enable the young students in learning their own culture and further play a major role in India’s rich and vibrant culture and diversity. Theluo requested the students to develop problem solving ability, improve the ability to handle mental imagery.
A brief introduction of Kala Utsav was delivered by Timothy Thomg, Deputy Mission Director & State Program Co-ordinator Kala Utsav who informed that the festival was initiated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development with the objectives of preserving the living traditions of Arts and to revive the dying arts in all its forms.
“Today we find children is too busy with the manifold tasks they are burdened with whether at home, schools or elsewhere. Thus, Kala Utsav has become a window for them to compete their way through the District level and state level to qualify for National level where they get the chance to compete with contestants from all the states and Union Territories in dance, music, theatre and visual arts categories,” said Thong.
The objectives of the theme is to celebrate unity in diversity; to maintain and strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people; promote the spirit of national integration through deep and structured engagement between all the states and Union Territories; showcase the rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of each state and create an environment which promote learning between states and sharing best practices and experiences.
This year the government has introduced a new system towards pairing of two states and Union Territories where Nagaland has been paired with Madhya Pradesh. The winner of the Dance category will be changing their dance style to that of Madhya Pradesh (MP) form while MP will be presenting Naga dance in the national level competitions.
The district level competition was held in five districts -Kohima, Peren, Longleng, Dimapur and Mon participated in competition. The winners in all categories will be attending the Lake city of India, Bhopal where the National Level Kala Utsav festivals will be held from the January 3-6, 2018.
Results for State Level Kala Utsav Competitions – 2017
Dance: Government High School, Sendenyu; Music: Government High School, Bhumnyu; Theatre: Bauting Memorial Government Higher Secondary School, Longleng; Visual Arts- Government Higher Secondary School, Peren.
