Some of the paintings submitted by participants of the FNR’s ‘Nagas without Borders—A Year of Identity Markers’ painting competition on display at DBIDL Hall on October 30. (Morung Photos)
Results for FNR painting competition announced
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 30
A longing for peace and unity among the Naga people were the central themes in the artworks that were exhibited at the DBIDL Hall, Don Bosco School Campus on October 30. The exhibition comprised of 91 paintings that were submitted as part of the painting competition organised by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) earlier in the year.
Following the exhibition, a brief programme was also held during which the painting competition results were announced.
Chairing the event, FNR member Dr Lanusangla Tzudir stated that the Forum had affirmed to set the year 2021 as the year of ‘Nagas without Borders—A Year of Identity Markers.’ Accordingly, a committee was formed within the FNR to mark the year with an event among young Nagas for a painting competition on an artistic concept of ‘Nagas without Borders.’
A total of 91 entries were received for all the three categories— Schools (Classes 8 to 12), Colleges (BA and above), and Individuals (Above 25 years of age). The entries came not only from the state of Nagaland but also from Nagas residing all over India, she added.
FNR Convenor Rev Dr Wati Aier remarked that though the declaration of the result was delayed owing to the pandemic, it is apt that the ‘Year of Identity Markers’ is coming to a close with this event. Expounding the theme, Rev Dr Wati said that the Naga people, from colonial times, have been conditioned by artificial boundaries. He underscored the need for Naga people to be inclusive of all those who are in Naga-lands—Nagas in other Indian states as well as those living across the international boundary in Myanmar.
“We must not think that Nagas within the Indian state of Nagaland are the only Nagas,” he asserted.
Rev Dr Wati also explained that in the Naga context, identity markers should not be limited to the shawls, surnames, etc., but transcend beyond the obvious. Stating that there are several other identity markers that come from within the self, he emphasized on the need for Nagas to discover and express them just as the artists have done through their art.
“A kind of renaissance is taking place within this little hall and I hope that this revival of art will flourish in the Naga context,” he said, adding that so many young people have spoken through the painting competition and brought out 91 identity markers.
Expressing hope that the Naga people’s sense of common belonging would widen, Rev Dr Wati called on the participants to be magnanimous and not be limited by what is prevalent at present.
Declaration of results
The judges for the painting competition included Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) Advisor Theja Meru, Animator and Visual Artist Meren Imchen, and FNR member Rev Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir.
Theja Meru expressed gratitude to the FNR for giving the youth the opportunity to express their minds, thoughts and hearts through the medium of art.
Quoting John F Kennedy, Meru stated that art is never an interruption, or a distraction to life. But it is central to a people’s happiness, humanity, civilization and progress; and that has been a guiding force while working with young people in the field of arts and music in the state of Nagaland, he said.
Lauding the participants for the commendable art they have submitted, he also noted that going through the 91 entries and judging them was not an easy task. He also encouraged the participants to not be disheartened but to continue expressing themselves in the future.
For the Schools (Classes 8 to 12) category, Tsuzolu Rhakho, a class 10 student from Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur bagged the first position while Shingmei T Phom, a class 12 student from Longleng came second.
Among the Colleges (BA and above) category, Lhounyütsu Suokhrie from Kohima Village and Suaihiamlung Panmei from Tamenglong won the first and second prizes respectively.
For the Individuals (Above 25 years of age) category, the first prize went to Toni Sumi and Arien from Dimapur took the second prize.
The 1st prize winners in each category took home a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and certificates while the 2nd prize winners received Rs 30,000 and certificates.
