Akashvani Kohima hosts folk song competition

DIMAPUR — Commemorating 90 years of broadcasting, Akashvani Kohima on October 28 organised a folk song competition titled “Voices of the youth” at RCEMPA in Jotsoma.

An update from Akashvani Kohima stated that the competition featured young participants, primarily college students, representing diverse Naga tribes.

It stated that Vetao Ayan group representing the Khiamniungan tribe was declared winner of the competition, while ‘Cries of the Angh’ from the Konyak tribe and the Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima, representing the Sangtam tribe, secured the second and third positions respectively.

The winners received cash prizes of INR 50,000, INR 40,000 and INR 30,000 respectively.

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In the special category for attire, the Khiamniungan and Zeliang tribes were awarded INR 20,000 each. It added that four consolation prizes of INR 10,000 each were presented to the Angami, Chang, Kuki and Yimkhiung tribes.

The prize money was sponsored by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, while the Task Force for Music and Arts (TAFMA) served as the venue partner.

Earlier in her welcome address, Akashvani Kohima head of programme, Ella Kayina, stated that the year-long celebration of 90 years of radio broadcasting in India reflected the rich cultural legacy preserved by Akashvani over the decades. She informed that the celebration began in June 2025 and would continue until June 2026.

Kayina highlighted that Akashvani Kohima has been conducting various programmes including essay writing competitions for government schools in both Hindi and English and a Hindi singing competition as part of the celebration.

Emphasising Akashvani Kohima’s unique contribution at both regional and national levels, she stated that the station broadcasts 15 tribal dialect programmes, each of 30 minutes on its primary channel.

“Tribal dialect programmes are the backbone of the station,” she said, adding that Akashvani Kohima has the highest number of dialect broadcasts in the country.

“As we celebrate Akashvani’s rich cultural legacy and 90 years of broadcasting through this folk song competition, we pay tribute to our folk artistes, many of whom may no longer be with us, but whose legacy continues to inspire us,” she added.

Acknowledging the efforts of the participants, Kayina said preparing for the competition might have been a journey of self-discovery for many.

The event also featured special presentation by the Tikhir Women Union, Kohima, celebrating the richness of Naga heritage and musical tradition.

The panel of judges included James Shikiye Swu, composer, conductor and music educator; Vesato Theluo, managing director of Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts (NCMFA); and Eli Imti, singer, songwriter and soloist.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Khriesaneisa Rutsa, programme executive (coordination), Akashvani Kohima.