After Russia, Japan visits, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calls for stronger cultural push

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for unity among Nagas to promote their rich cultural heritage, traditional arts, handlooms, and handicrafts to attract global investment and recognition.

He was speaking at the event, ‘Nagaland’s Global Footprints: Cultural Diplomacy and International Engagements’, held at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima, following the state’s high-level visits to Japan and Russia.

Rio expressed satisfaction over having visited both countries through invitations extended by the Union Ministry of External Affairs, and respective embassies. He noted that six states were invited to the Bharat Utsav, with Nagaland being the only one from the Northeast.

The state, he said, attracted attention at both national and international levels for its cultural uniqueness.

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He recalled that during British rule, Nagas were largely protected and their traditional laws preserved. Even after joining the Indian Union through a political agreement, special provisions such as the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 and Article 371(A) of the Constitution ensured protection of Naga customs and land ownership rights.

Rio underscored that Nagaland is the only Indian state where the people own the land and its resources. “We are privileged. And with this privilege comes responsibility—to preserve, promote, and share our culture with the world,” he said.

Referring to the Hornbill Festival, the chief minister highlighted how it began as a small initiative to unite all tribes but has now grown into an international event hosted at a permanent site, with participation from other Northeastern states, partner states, and countries. This, he said, has helped place the Nagas on the global cultural map.

Congratulating the cultural delegation, particularly the performers at Bharat Utsav – Festival of India in Moscow, Rio said they had performed “exceedingly well,” and brought pride to the state. He extended his appreciation to the officials from the tourism, industry, and other departments who contributed to the success of the international engagements.

Rio also shed light on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Kochi Prefecture for cooperation in human resources and other areas of mutual interest. He noted that multiple meetings and collaborations with various international agencies were explored during the official tour.

He also visited the site of World Expo 2025 in Osaka and shared insights from the experience, particularly the various cultural and commercial exhibits. Rio acknowledged the efforts made by artists from Nagaland at the international exhibitions, adding that state government initiatives through roadshows and other festival events contributed to the success.

The chief minister said many countries have expressed interest in partnering with Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, though such collaborations must be thoughtfully managed. He informed that Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had shown keen interest in attending the festival this year.

Rio noted several best practices observed during the Japan and Russia visits, especially in environmental sustainability, and stressed the need to adapt them in Nagaland. He reiterated the importance of working collectively to make Nagaland known as the ‘Land of Festivals,’ akin to India's global identity as ‘Incredible India.’

“We must rise above divisions, support our artists and cultural ambassadors, and present our best to the world,” he urged.

Abu Metha, Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and Advisor to the Chief Minister, presented a PowerPoint briefing on the state delegation’s visits and the milestones achieved in the cultural diplomacy tour.

As part of the occasion, the chief minister presented certificates to artists and performers who represented Nagaland at the Bharat Utsav. He also launched ‘Treekam,’ an international music collaboration album cover, marking another step toward global cultural engagement.