Nagaland Task Force for Music & Arts goes global

Advisor to CM, Abu Metha & Advisor to TaFMA, Theja Meru seen along with others against the backdrop of the newly launched website on July 1.

Advisor to CM, Abu Metha & Advisor to TaFMA, Theja Meru seen along with others against the backdrop of the newly launched website on July 1.

Morung Express News

Stating that every challenge throws upon new opportunities, Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha today said that “on the positive side, this time of pandemic throws forward new challenges, opportunities and vistas, and people, organisations, countries or places, who are innovative, adapt, and find new ways to overcome these hurdles, it is this people who stay ahead and will again lead others to new normal circumstances.”

 

He was speaking at the website launch of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) - https://tafma.org/ on July 1 at RCEMPA wherein he congratulated TaFMA and said “it has done a wonderful job in the last few months, and moved ahead with new ideas and out of the box approaches.”  “I can say with confidence and place on record that of the so many departments here in Nagaland, I think TaFMA has shown the way, come up with new programs, reached out to immeasurable numbers of the industry and beyond not just in the state but beyond our borders with the message of music, arts,” he said.

 

Most importantly, he stated that “TaFMA has created a wonderful air of positivity and an environment of hope using the universal language of music and the arts.” Pointing out that arts and music has no boundaries, no language, and transcends all hurdles, he said that “this has been well understood by the leadership of TaFMA.” Further citing instances of witnessing webinars on music, he put across his observation that other agencies and people are acknowledging and appreciating what the government of Nagaland is doing through TaFMA.

 

TaFMA, he added has broken new ground, using the platforms of technology and internet to reach audiences while stating that “we all know the scope, dynamics and possibility of the internet.” “An online show is reaching millions and that is why I say, with every challenge, there is opportunity”, he reiterated. He further placed on record appreciation for TaFMA while challenging them to find new ways to promote opportunities for musicians, create vistas for artists and to play a contributing role in the new economy of Nagaland.

 

“Today we want to see Kohima, we want to see Nagaland as one of the capitals of art and music not just in the country but in the entire Asian region”, he emphasized. “We are already home to one of the biggest music festivals- Hornbill Music Festival but that was then, when people walked in for shows, with physical tickets and participated physically. This is now, time and dynamics have changed in weeks and months. Today, using this new platform and technology, TaFMA has once again been a torch bearer and a leader for Nagaland, and the youth of Nagaland must participate in this new challenge so that we remain as one of the torchbearers of the music industry across the country and across the region, he further articulated.

 

Asserting that we have the potential and scope, he said that, “our young musicians are immensely talented and it is our duty and responsibility to create opportunities for them.” he asserted that music and the arts should no longer be a hobby and a recreational activity, but music and arts must provide professional opportunities for our youth.

 

Abu Metha further pointed out that “we want music to be a strong arm of the Nagaland economy” and towards this end, urged upon every member of the music industry to come together under one collective banner and be member of the team Nagaland while adding that “it is a collective endeavor and teamwork that will ensure success for everybody.” “Nagaland and the Nagas must be known to the world for good things and I am sure music and the arts will lead in that direction”, he maintained.

 

Advisor to TaFMA, Theja Meru earlier noted that the website has been a long cherished dream while expressing that the need has been felt even more now in this “new normal” circumstance.