Chizokho Vero
Kohima | August 15
The Raj Bhavan today acknowledged six Naga youths for distinction in the field of art, music and literature. Conferring the prestigious Governor’s Award to six persons at a glittering ceremony at Durbal Hall, Governor Shyamal Datta was optimistic that the recipients would become the cultural ambassadors of Nagaland and tell the world “we do exist, we exist in dignity and labor.” The six awardees are Theja Meru in Music and Metevinuo Ate Sakhrie, Lepden Jamir, Meren Imchen, Veswuzo Phesao (all in Art) and Dr. Mar Atsongchanger in Literature.
Receiving the award, Theja Meru assured that he will use music towards making the world a better place to live in. Born on July 12, 1970, Theja is a gifted young man who spreads positive message to the Naga youth and motivates them to become achievers in life through music.
He launched one of the most famous hang-outs in Nagaland, Dream Café, with the objective to identify and encourage local music talent. Besides composing the XL Theme song “Believe” in 2006 and the theme song of the 20th North East Sports Festival 2005, he has performed in many music festivals as lead vocalist of Wave – the Dream Café band – and others at state, national and international level.
Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, born at Mokokchung village is a junior fellow of Sahitya Academic New Delhi under the project “Development of Ao-Naga literature and its publishing growth from the 19th century till date.” He was Director of Christian Literature Centre, Guwahati during 1991-2003 under the Council of Baptist Churches in the North East India. He has published seven books during 2003-2005.
Veswuzo Phesao of Chozuba Village, is a creative mind that made him a source of joy and entertainment for all those who are acquainted with him. Born on March 12, 1964, Phesao proved himself a highly talented artist at the state, zonal and national level. Taking active role in preservation and promotion of folk culture, he has been imparting training in folk dances and songs to young boys and girls in Dimapur. He has choreographed a number of new dance forms of his own creation, of which “Thevu Pheta” is a well-received dance all over the country.
Metevinuo Ate Sakhrie is a professional film-maker having special focus on the achievement of local entrepreneurs, the colorful community set up of the Nagas and its popular legends. She has produced and directed 10 documentary films, co-produced and co-directed 3 documentary films. Her film “Binding threads” on the social set-up of the Angami Nagas for IGNOU, New Delhi was selected for the special North East Film Package at Mumbai International Film festival MIFF 2006.
This film has also been invited to the 4th Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) to be held in December 2006. The other films to her credit are Circle of Care, Were I the moon..., The Mavericks, A cut above the rest, Healthcare in Nagaland, Little Drops, Magic Weavers of Nagaland and Nagaland- forging ahead.
Meren Imchen graduated from National Institute of design in 2003. He is still young but a well-acclaimed animator. He had created 3 animated films, two of which are based on Naga folklore.
One of his animated films was selected to be screened at the Annecy Film Festival at France. He is also the brains behind the hilarious graphic sequences of Channel (V) time check promos. Meren has also made promos for the recently launched music channel VHI, namely “Ticket to ride,” “Menu Card” and “Head Bangers Ball.” His most recent film entitled “Nokpokliba” was made in association with the Children Society of India.
Lepden Jamir hails from Mopungchuket village. The genesis of his career in art started way back in 1977 when he won his first award in art for his painting titled ‘Mother and Son’ at the age of 10. To him art is a language through which he expresses his inner mind. He has immense talent and his contribution in the field of art as a sculptor at Sungkotenem at the tourist village of Mopungchuket is an example which has been appreciated by one and all.
Lepden is a man known as a painter by profession, a master sculptor, a creative art illustrator, an architect, a video and photographer, a writer and a music composer.
Earlier, brief outline of the award was given by Kevineinuo Meru, Director, Art & Culture while Chief Secretary Lalhuma offered the vote of thanks.
Meanwhile, stressing on the need to focus on the preservation and promotion of the rich Naga culture, Governor Datta reminded that the time has come to develop culture and set things right for the better. He also said that the award has reaffirmed the rich cultural heritage of the Nagas. The Governor also expressed strong faith that they will create many more wonders in the days to come. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his address also maintained that Naga youths possess huge talent in their respective disciplines, thereby registering laurels for themselves as well as to the people of the state. The award has generated a healthy space to them to compete with the rest of the world in the various fields, Rio said. Rio also maintained that the award has established a big challenge to the Nagas to further promote their respective talents.
Morung Express News
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