Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla confers Governor’s Award 2025, lauding artists and writers as custodians of Nagaland’s cultural heritage.
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Bhalla hails artists as custodians of heritage
KOHIMA — The Governor’s Award 2025 in Arts, Music and Literature was conferred on Monday during a ceremony held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Lok Bhavan, Kohima.
The awardees were Mannyei Konyak for Arts (Sculpture and Woodwork), Guru Rarenbenba for Arts (Performing Arts), Coloured Keys and Moko for Music, and Vishȕ Rita Krocha for Literature. The awards were presented in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, legislators, senior government dignitaries and officials, and family members of the awardees.
Addressing the programme, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that the award celebrates the creative spirit, cultural depth and intellectual vitality of the state.
“Today, we honour five outstanding individuals whose dedication and excellence have enriched our society and strengthened the cultural fabric of our land,” Bhalla said, adding that creativity has the power to inspire, uplift and unite communities.
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Highlighting Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, the governor said that arts and literature live in festivals, songs, dances and storytelling traditions and form the living memory of the people’s history.
In a rapidly changing world, Bhalla reflected that artists, musicians and writers play a crucial role as custodians of heritage and pioneers of new thought, bridging the past and the future.
He said that the awardees’ contributions reflect discipline, originality and commitment to excellence, and have strengthened the state’s cultural identity while inspiring younger generations.
Bhalla also acknowledged the role of artists and scholars in documenting indigenous knowledge, folklore, oral traditions and endangered languages, stating that such efforts safeguard identity for future generations.
Congratulating the awardees, he stressed that their achievements demonstrate that excellence is built through perseverance and passion, and urged institutions and civil society to continue nurturing creative talent.
Earlier, an outline of the Governor’s Award 2025 was presented by Bodeno S Colo, Secretary for Arts and Culture.