Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 26
Governor’s Awards 2016 for distinction in the fields of Art, Music and Literature have been conferred to three recipients - T Yanger Ozukum for Art (painting), Along Konyak also for Art (handicraft) and Alobo Naga for Music on the occasion of the 67th Republic Day in a programme held at Raj Bhavan. The award includes a certificate, memento, shawl and cheque of Rs 1 lakh.
Speaking at the award function, Governor PB Acharya extended best wishes to the people of the State on the occasion.
He also expressed his happiness that the government has been encouraging talented persons of the state in the fields of art, music and literature since 2003 which has been instituted for creating awareness and to recognize the creativity, talent and leadership of the award winners for their exemplary works.
The governor while appreciating the good initiative of the government said, this has truly motivated artistes, musicians and writers to a great extent. Congratulating the three recipients, the Governor is optimistic that they will continue to be role models for the youth and inspire to strengthen the social unity of the Nagas.
Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister TR Zeliang said folk arts, music and folklore have been an intrinsic part of Naga culture, and with the dawn of Christianity in the Naga Hills came formal English education and subsequently, the influence of the western music, arts and literature in Naga way of life. This cultural fusion, he said has enriched the Nagas and today we have Naga people bringing accolades in these various fields.
While mentioning the state government’s initiative of awarding the prestigious governor’s award for distinction in the fields of art, music and literature starting from 2003, he said, since then it has become an important event in the State’s official calendar of activities.
Zeliang added that in order to bring about an organized and structured manner of honing young talents in the State, the government started institutions such as the Music Task Force and Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts at Jotsoma and many other initiatives. ‘It is rewarding to see that music industry in Nagaland has improved substantially in the last decade’ he added.
The chief minister also congratulated and expressed his happiness for Easterine Kire, poet, novelist and children’s book writer from Nagaland who won The Hindu Prize 2015 for her novel ‘When the river sleeps’.
Congratulating the awardees of this year’s edition of the Governor’s Award, Zeliang expressed hope that the awards will encourage them to strive towards excellence at the national and international levels.
Also appreciating the governor for hosting the event, the chief minister hoped his guidance and patronage will help state make significant progress in the fields of arts, music and literature.
Giving a brief outline on the Governor’s Award, Vevo Saphu, Director Art & Culture said, the award was constituted by state government in the year 2003 to recognize and honour eminent practitioners, teachers or promoter of art, music and literature.
It may noted that three recipients of the Governor’s Awards 2016 are the 13th batch of artists to be conferred bringing the total number of recipients to sixty one so far since the inception of the award in 2003.
The programme concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Chief Secretary, Pakaj Kumar, IAS.
Earlier, in the day the governor also hoisted the National Flag at Raj Bhavan and celebrated Rani Gaidinliu’s birthday which falls on January 26 with his staff and security personnel.
