Vishü Rita Krocha
In the last couple of years, Nagaland has dominated news headlines both nationally and internationally. From being listed among the hottest destinations in 2024 to hosting the Asia Music Summit most recently, it has truly proved to be a hotbed of culture and arts.
In his address during the Opening Ceremony of the recently held Asia Music Summit, the Chief Minister of Nagaland had remarked that his government has been making sincere efforts in promoting the music and the arts. That Nagaland is the first ever state in the country to have declared music as an industry stands as a bold testament to this fact, further translating it to the establishment of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), that has taken it forward by initiating several out-of-the-box activities and collaborating with brands and names that are crucial in furthering the cause of music.
Today, music in Nagaland is well recognised as a profession. Coupled with the Naga people's innate gift for it, and the fact that music has always been an integral part of the very Naga way of life, it has grown in leaps and bounds.
Many of our stories, as also pointed out by the Chief Minister, have been passed down from one generation to another through songs- the tradition that continues till today, and also which, in his words, “has been a unifying force for us, and has now emerged as one of our most positive ambassadors to the global community.” Truly, as he put it, “Music and the arts give every person an avenue to blossom; exemplifies the flowering of the human spirit, and makes humanity more beautiful.” Given that the government has built upon the foundation particularly for music, musicians must continue to persist in this endeavour.
But, on the other hand, it also brings to mind the other forms of art that have not received or been given due attention despite its potential to flourish. While the state government's commitment to music is deeply appreciated, other forms of literary arts or visual arts such as filmmaking, painting, photography, etc. as one can clearly see has altogether failed to capture the hearts of the policymakers.
A stark revelation in this regard can also be clearly seen in the presentation of the prestigious “Governor's Award for Distinction in Art, Music and Literature”, where, for instance, the very term “literature” seems to have been included just for the sake of it and definitely not because the government has any special liking for it.
Every year, “Music” takes the lion’s share of the award with at least 2 or 3 recipients in the music category while the remaining recipients would be awarded for distinction in “Art” encompassing painting, pottery, fine arts, etc. “Literature” almost never finds its deserving place here for several years altogether without a recipient in this particular category.
This, despite the many deserving candidates, especially given the mushrooming of published writers/authors in the last one or two decades including others who have dedicated their lives to the promotion of literature from, and in the state.
It is true that for any writer, writing is a labour of love. But if the society also fails to recognise the importance of literature, then it also eventually kills its roots, its history, its culture and as Independent Researcher & Editor, Vizovono Elizabeth says, “if we are talking about preserving our culture and tradition, then it all comes down to our stories.” And that makes it even more crucial that Literature in the state also receives its due care and attention.
This is a guest editorial by Vishü Rita Krocha. She is the Publisher of PenThrill Publication and a senior journalist based in Kohima.
