Advisor of Art and Culture and Tourism, Khehovi H Yeputhomi, on Wednesday inaugurated an amphitheatre in Surumi village under Zunheboto district.
Addressing the virtual programme, Yeputhomi expressed gratitude to the North Eastern Council (NEC) for the implementation of various development projects through which construction of the amphitheater was made possible.
"This is the first and only amphitheater in Zunheboto district," Yeputhomi said adding that purpose of the project was to provide the much-needed platform to promote and revive the rich cultural heritage in the form of folk songs and dances, theatre, indigenous games and sports among others in an around of Surumi village.
The advisor has stressed on the need to revive culture in view of the rapidly evolving modern society due to advancement of modern technology, which pose serious threat to the communities.
He informed that the created arena would not only provide basic facility to promote culture but also act as a centre to promote local art and handicrafts - a platform to conduct trainings and awareness programme, host important functions of the local communities at the district-level as well as state events as well.
“Promotion of our rich cultural activities will in turn promote tourism, which will lead to creating avenues to generate income and improve the livelihood of the local communities,” said Yeputhomi.
He exuded hope that the facility would cater to the needs of the local community and urged them to judiciously make of the facility with a sense of belonging. He further congratulated the officials of the Art and Culture department, especially to the engineering wing for the successful completion of the project on time.
The executive engineer, Talitemsu Jamir, presented the technical report and informed that the project was approved on March 28, 2022, with a sanction amount of INR 2.92 crore. He added that the execution was carried out by M/s Multi Builders from May 25, 2022, and could complete within 8 months.
It was informed that the amphitheatre has a seating capacity of 1500 persons with inbuilt stage, rostrum, toilet and change room for both ladies and gents.