Dimapur, Dec. 7 (EMN): In what could be seen as a rare gesture of extending solidarity to those competing in various events at the ongoing Hornbill festival, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has participated in the Hornbill International Photo Festival (Hipfest), a photography contest organised by the department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with Eastern Art Council and supported by Tourism department.
Rio has participated in the photography competition with three photographs, according to a statement issued by the DIPR.
Coordinator of Eastern Art Council, M. Ababe Ezung told IPR officials that “the main objective of Photography Contest coinciding with the Hornbill festival is to provide the right platform for young and budding artists in the state.” He said that the contest was organised keeping in mind the lack of platform for talented photographers in Nagaland to showcase their works.
He said that the number of participants in the fest has increased over the year and the quality of photographs has improved too with “people developing seriousness on photography.” He added that “it is not only a platform to display their art but to featuring their photos in the state calendar and other publications” and tourists are getting more insights of Naga culture and traditions through the photographs.
Ezung informed that the photographs collected over the years will be exhibited in other countries like Myanmar, US and Thailand.
Heather Layton, one of the judges for the competition, said that she was honoured and delighted to attend the Hornbill festival and be part of the photography contest. She said that “she could see the past, present and the future of Nagaland after seeing the pictures as it depict the characteristics of the Nagas in many ways.”
"The photos are very well displayed and each photo has its own unique history,” she said, adding that the “photos have represented some important facets of Nagaland ranging from landscape to people and joyous moments to struggles.”
The photography contest in done in two categories - General category with the theme ' Colours of Nagaland' and Junior category for under 15 years with the theme' Mood and Emotion.' Sara Lorin won the first prize (INR 40,000), Achano Tungoe was adjusted 2nd (INR 20,000), and Samrat Sengupta - 3rd (INR 10,000) in the General category, while Sophy Lasuh and Njune Lorin bagged consolation prizes that come with INR 5,000 cash award.
In the Junior category, Chenogi Tep walked away with first prize (INR10,000), Kenyuhile Lorin - 2nd (INR 5,000), and Kikruleno Casavi – 3rd (INR 2,000).
Prizes will be handed over the winners during the culmination programme of the Hornbill festival on Dec. 10.
