Winner Mutunulu Keyho and the three other finalists with Abu Metha and others. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 13
Mutunulu Keyho was declared as the winner of the Naga Chef Season- 8 on December 13.
This was announced by Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister Nagaland during a brief function held at Mhachaki, Kohima on December 13.
From Phek village, Keyho was awarded with a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.
Speaking at the function, Metha said that it was Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who brought out the concept of upscaling Naga food and taking it “beyond our borders to make it an ambassador of Nagaland and Naga people.”
He said that some of the participants of the last editions of the contest have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs by opening their own restaurants and running food businesses.
Calling upon Naga youngsters to strive towards excellence and success, Metha also stressed on the need for Naga leaders in government, civil society and all sectors to ensure “meritocracy triumphs” in Nagaland. “When we support meritocracy, success and excellence will happen automatically,” he said.
Maintaining that success and excellence will not happen in Naga society by luck or chance, he said “we need to put on investment by supporting meritocracy, transparency and good governance.”
Metha challenged students in campuses, bureaucrats in corridors of power and politicians sitting on the high chairs to give our best to ensure meritocracy for Naga society.
“Let us allow Naga talent, caliber and capabilities to shine across the globe… let Nagaland be known for the right things and reasons,” pleaded Metha.
Young Naga sportspersons and chefs should be the ambassadors to tell the new success stories to the world that Nagas are here having own footing in the global environment and ready to excel and succeed thereby bringing pride and glory to the Naga people and contribute towards the nation building process, challenged Metha.
Kevilezo Kense of Synergy Group Enterprise said that the Naga Chef event started in 2013 to promote Naga food and entrepreneurial Naga cooks and to take Naga food to the next level.
"As our journey goes in learning and promoting our Naga indigenous cuisine, we feel we will be able to achieve and up- market our Naga food to the world, " he said.
