The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter performs debut musical recital

Published on Jun 2, 2025

Tongpang Ozukum with officials and The Sunshine Orchestra team. (DIPR)
DIMAPUR — The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter, a project under the AR Rahman Foundation, presented their debut musical recital at Centre of Excellence for Music & Arts, Kohima on May 31 with Advisor for Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum as the special guest.
An update from the DIPR issued on Monday informed that Ozukum expressed his gratitude for the debut recital performance showcased by The Sunshine Orchestra while highlighting that the performances were not only to showcase talents but a celebration on the achievement the Sunshine Orchestra had accomplished in five years after signing an MoU with Dr. A R Rahman in the year 2019 on behalf of TaFMA and with the initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
He emphasised that TaFMA with their commitment and vision has revolutionised music in Nagaland and nurtured musicians that have placed Nagaland and Naga music in the national and global map of music and added that their effort and creativity have also inspired a generation of musicians to follow their profession with pride and transform music into a platform to showcase talent of identity to unite the Nagas.

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‘AR Rahman Foundation was founded in 2008 with an aim to impart free musical training to the underprivileged children with an objective to identify talents from a particular section of the society to make them professionals, counted in the society and make them someone in life,’ Ozukum shared.
He also called upon the children to be involved with the musical family of The Sunshine Orchestra as it is lifetime opportunity through AR Rahman Foundation, guided by TaFMA.
Chairman, TaFMA, Theja Meru highlighted that The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter comprising of children from Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home was launched in 2019 by Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio. Today, a total of 20 children are part of the Orchestra, he shared.
The evening was entertained with musical recital performed by the nine violin students of The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland Chapter led by their Director, Vilhou Kezo and pianist Kecha Pfukri, special number was presented by Zavino Nakhro and a piano recital by Wenwen.