Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and others at RCEMPA, Jostoma. (DIPR Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 17
Nagaland & Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi today said that our youth are among the best in the country and the world.
“They have excelled in whatever and whichever field they have gone into and served,” Prof Mukhi said while addressing the gathering at the exhibition on portraits of Chief Ministers of Nagaland, organized by Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) at RCEMPA, Jotsoma near Kohima.
My government's endeavour would be to help create an ecosystem of optimum opportunities for them here in Nagaland so that they are not only help overcome the development differentials with the most advanced states of the country but outdo them, he said.
He said that the idea of displaying the portraits of chief ministers of Nagaland at the iconic location is appreciable.
He also congratulated the local artists for putting in the work and producing such beautiful pieces of art.
The portrait paintings reveal the inherent talent of the Nagas, he said adding “We know Naga tribes have an old and rich tattooing culture which shows our interests in art. Tattoos were done for beautification purposes and most of them were sacred. Thorough study of the traditional tattoo patterns can reveal priceless pieces of history.”
He said that TaFMA has come all out to promote artists in Nagaland and has successfully done so.
He also expressed happiness that TaFMA has conducted important Music festivals and showcased Naga culture while exposing local artists.
“Earlier, mostly western music influenced the world but of late we are seeing South East Asian culture penetrating the whole world through their music. It is imperative for our country to develop in the areas of soft power be it sports or music. I believe Nagaland has a huge potential to be a leader in this front,” Prof Mukhi said.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on way to fulfilling its long awaited destiny. “Music and Art can play an important role in connecting the whole country. It is music that speaks to everyone penetrating through social barriers.”
He extended best wishes to TaFMA in promoting the artists in Nagaland and in its endeavor to promote literary works, fashion, film-making and in other areas.
Also speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that the state government has conceptualized TAFMA to promote music, art and take Naga youth to the greater height of excellence.
He was appreciative of the local artists who painted the portraits of the Chief Ministers.
Also expressing happiness over the presence of Mizoram Youth Commission at the function, Rio hoped that the partnership between the governments of Nagaland and Mizoram would not only promote music amongst the youth of two states but also strengthen brotherhood and friendship.
Mizoram Youth Commission chairman and MLA Dr Vanlaltanpuia hoped that the signing of agreement between Mizoram and Nagaland in the field of music would fetch a productive result and excel together at national and international arena in the coming days.
“Together, we will walk hand in hand in the field of music,” he said. He informed that Mizoram government has been working hard towards the upliftment of youth in the field of sports, music etc.
Nagas are highly talented in music, Vanlaltanpuia said and at the same time stressed on the need to focus on professionalism.
The programme was chaired by Dr Hovithal Sothu, project director TaFMA while Abu Metha, advisor to Chief Minister Nagaland delivered introductory remarks. Vote of thanks was proposed by Theja Meru, advisor TaFMA. The programme was followed by a musical evening entitled “Headhunting to Beatboxing (The Nagaland Musical),” organized in honour of Governor of Nagaland Prof Jagdish Mukhi.
