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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 27 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday called for an effort to make Nagaland truly a land of music.
He was speaking at the distribution programme of Casio Laser Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Hybrid Projectors to Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) empanelled music institutes, TaFMA district partners and selected community-based NGOs at State Banquet Hall, New Chief Minister's Residential Complex in Kohima.
The project is an initiative of Casio India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme on the theme “Gyan Ki Roshni”, meaning “Light of Knowledge”.
While expressing gratitude to the Casio India for the initiative, Rio congratulated the TaFMA for their relentless pursuit towards propagating music even during the Covid-19 pandemic time. He also expressed his delight over meeting musicians, music lovers and owners of the music institutions in the state.
He lauded the music institutions for imparting training at the grassroots level despite the difficult situation and urged them to stay strong and continue to be an inspiration to Nagaland through music.
Rio maintained that the state government had instituted the Music Task Force (MTF) in 2003 to promote music as an industry, and to encourage the artistic and creative pursuits of the youths in activities like fashion, dance, crafts, literature, fine arts and more before the MTF was rebranded TaFMA in 2019. He said that he observed a lot of progress as far as music and arts are concerned.
"I applaud the leadership of TaFMA for consistently building networks and raising partnership across the country and globe," said the chief minister, informing that it had now partnership with Latvia, Russia, USA and also signed an MOU with Asia Music Connect which had plans to organise the Asia Music Summit soon- this year-end or the first part of next year.
While the Hornbill Festival was suspended after 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rio informed that DR. AR Rahman's KM Music Conservatory in Chennai set its foot on the state and subsequently sponsored to coach youth, particularly the underprivileged children, on finding the Naga youth’s natural talent in music.
Towards this, the chief minister maintained that the learners are gaining, elevating the children not only in singing and dancing but also creating the opportunity to perform with confidence and smiles on their faces.
Rio said that AR Rahman's dream is to make Nagaland’s talents shine and perform on bigger platforms in cosmopolitan cities and even give the opportunity to perform at the international level. Citing the immense support and concern shown by a citizen from another state towards the children from Nagaland, he called for an effort to work for the children.
Reminding the state government’s declaration to make 'Music as an industry, he stated that the music industry is not only for leisure, singing for oneself, or just to perform at a function but a ‘huge business with stiff competition, with so much potential and opportunities. He added that these opportunities should be given to the children.
‘Children and youth are our hope for tomorrow, and through music, we can exhibit the talent and many people will be able to come to us and know us (Nagaland),’ stated Rio.
He expressed hope the recipients Casio India’s projectors will make good use of it; for the desired purpose and enlighten the people, promote and empower the youths at the grassroots level.
He maintained that music really brings joy and happiness; that ‘music is life', food for good and bad times. He went on to say that it is everyone's responsibility to make music truly an industry in Nagaland.
Rio also said that the people should work hard in hosting tribal and district festivals, wherein talents can be exhibited and the identified ones can represent the state.
He reiterated the state’s fullest support for the youth, particularly to guide the musicians, and exuded hope that the industry will shine and make the state proud.
In his introductory note, Project Director of TaFMA, Dr. Hovithal Sothu acknowledged the CM for the support and going the extra mile to support music industry in the state.
On the occasion, the equipment contributed by Casio India was distributed in the presence of Advisor to CM, Abu Metha, Advisor TaFMA and other officials.