Moa Subong of Abiogenesis was awarded by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee at the ninth Biennial Award for Grassroots Innovations and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge at the Rashtrapati Bhawan during the inauguration function of the week-long ‘Festival of Innovations.’
The event was held on March 4, 2017 and the renowned musician received the award for his invention of the Bamhum, a new wind bamboo musical instrument.
A countrywide search throughout India and tapping thirty three thousand innovators and an intensive screening and selection process for two long years by National Innovation Foundation resulted with seventeen innovators including Moa receiving the National Award and fifteen Innovators, the State Award stated a press note. The press note also mentioned that a major contribution for the bamhum- to get its maximum exposure and necessary attention has been through Arenla, who has been playing the bamhum as the leading instrument for the Naga folk fusion band Abiogenesis since it was unveiled by the then Governor of Meghalaya MM Thomas on May 3, 2005 during the International Bamboo Festival at Shillong.
Moa was also selected along with nine other Innovators from different parts of the country for the Innovative Scholars In-Residence Programme which will be held from March 4 to 18, 2017. The selected Innovators are who are nw residing at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will participate in the events of the Festival of Innovation which includes Exhibitions, Global Round table meetings on Inclusive Innovation to be attended by top innovation leaders of the world and several noble laureates, Various Awards Functions, Dinner at Ceremonial Hall to be hosted by the President.
The Innovators will have the opportunity of meeting with Ministers and Senior Government Officials, Media Interaction and attend the Valedictory Function on March 18.
The Festival of Innovation is a unique initiative of the Office of the President of India to recognise, respect and reward grassroots innovations and foster a supportive ecosystem. Hosted in the month of March at The President’s House, the FOIN has become a national celebration of creativity and innovation at and for grassroots. Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India has exhorted all segments of the Indian society to converge their efforts to make India inclusive, innovative and responsive to the aspirations of common people. EMN
