Artists urged to preserve Naga culture

January 23, 2022 69 Views No Comment

TaFMA Art Residency programme culminates

Morung Express News
Kohima | January 23

Noting that Nagas are going through a very difficult time with the Naga political issue still not resolved, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today called upon the younger generation to live positively and find ways to preserve Naga culture, tradition and survive as a people.

Addressing the culmination program of the five-day TaFMA (Task Force for Music & Arts) Art Residency which began on January 18 at Tuophema Tourist Village, he noted that Nagas are so diverse and independent that even within the state, some are demanding for a separate state out of Nagaland state, while some districts are demanding a different district out of that district.

Stating that “our demands are endless”, he remarked that “sometimes it becomes unreasonable but we are that character and we are living through that fragmentation, division.” He further highlighted the unique history of the Nagas spread across different states as well as in Myanmar.

In the face of this “diverse Naga character”, he urged upon the gathering to help protect and promote Naga culture through arts, music, songs and dances while adding that “we should take art as a very important discipline.”

He expressed hope that the artists who participated in the residency will go on to become professionals. He commended TaFMA for taking the initiative and expressed confidence that it will continue to promote young artists to get into the profession and build up to a commercial scale.

Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha noted: “When there was no written word or alphabets, human beings told their stories in the form of art.”

Today, he said, “we imagine life millions of years ago through the artworks left behind by human beings during their age and era.” Likewise, he said that art, which is exemplified in forms such as paintings, literature, films, poetry, photography, will reflect the life of today millions of years henceforth.

Stating that the artists of today are the storytellers of tomorrow, he said, “You will preserve our way of life, you will tell our stories to the future generations through your work; you will also influence public opinion through what you do and what you paint.”

“Each of you must grow up to be responsible citizens of Nagaland, tell positive stories about Nagaland to the outside world”, he urged.

He extended appreciation to the Chief Minister for supporting artists while pointing out that a community that thrives on innovations and creativity will bring breakthrough in society. He said these have been possible only with the support, vision and mandate of the Chief Minister.

He congratulated TaFMA for holding a special art camp for school children as part of the Residency. To the 12 established and upcoming visual artists empanelled with TaFMA who were part of the Residency, he said, “just allow your mind, heart, and the human spirit to flow and you will definitely succeed.”

Some of the highlights of the Art Residency included live painting, mentorship classes, interactive sessions, and art camp for school students, art competition for children and capacity building exercises.

Earlier, Theja Meru, Advisor to TaFMA delivered the welcome address and also chaired the programme. Prizes and certificates were given out to the winners of the competitions and participants. The artworks of the artists which were completed during the Residency were also exhibited.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/artists-urged-to-preserve-naga-culture