Rajnath Singh graces 8th day Hornbill Festival

The 8^th Day Hornbill festival and the 4^th Day Cultural programme was graced by Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh on 8^th December, 2017 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama as the Chief Guest.

Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh with the Governor of Nagaland P.B Archarya, Chief Minister of Nagaland T.R Zeliang and M.P Lok Sabha Neiphui Rio, at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 8,2017.

Addressing the people of Nagaland on the occasion, the Chief Guest extended his greetings and said the festival marked the onset of the festive season in the state. It is a prominent landmark in the socio-cultural progression of the people of Nagaland and presents a spectacular show of unity in diversity. He appreciated the visionary leaders of Nagaland for coming up with such a brilliant idea of the Hornbill festival. He said the festival promotes socio-cultural bonding besides enriching and adding layers of modernity, music, art, fashion and beauty pageants. He also extended his appreciation to the participating tribes from different states like Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh which truly symbolizes the strength of our nation.

On his maiden visit to the State, he also congratulated all the participants and performers for a brilliant display of the best of Naga dance and Music and the kind hospitality and richness of culture. He appreciated the role of girls of Nagaland in all walks of life and commended the role of the state government in raising Nagaland’s 15 IRB (Mahila battalion) and setting up of Women Police stations for safety, security and empowerment of women. He expressed his admiration over the role of Naga regiment and IRB boys who have been playing a critical role in combating Left Wing extremism in affected areas of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand. Naga youth are excelling in the fields ranging from fashion to Music to crafts, he said.

On infrastructure, he said Nagaland has to catch up with the advance States in terms of economic development and also said that overall connectivity can create opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses and also make Nagaland the gateway to South East Asia. Nagaland with its rich natural resources and talented people has limitless potential, he added. Nagaland has an opportunity to lead North-Eastern States to the path of peace, stability, prosperity and growth and hoped for a peaceful, vibrant, colourful and energetic Nagaland that is an example for other States to emulate. He also extended his greetings on the anniversary of Statehood and wishing a very happy Hornbill Festival, Merry Christmas and New Year 2018.

Governor visits Craftscape at Kisama 

Governor, P.B Acharya and his Lady wife Kavita Acharya at the Craftscape, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 8,2017.

The Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya and his Lady Wife Kavita Acharya visited the Craftscape corner at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on 8^th December 2017.

The Governor and his wife took a round of the Craftscape and interacted with the participants. They appreciated the exhibits on display and were impressed with the workmanship of the craftsmen and women.

The Governor called on the people of the State to promote and encourage local craftsmen and women and to help in keeping the local traditional arts and crafts alive.

The Governor also visited the World War II Museum, the Artists’ Corner and the stall set up by the Assam Rifles at Kisama.

Throngsomong wins cock fight competition

Participants from different tribes competing in cock fight competition at Kisama on December 8,2017.

Throngsomong from Yimchunger tribe emerged as the winner of cock fight competition on 8^thDecember, 2017 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The event was organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports as part of the cultural programme

Khaimaigirisa and Renpen representing Kachari and Lotha tribes bagged the second and third position respectively. Altogether, 14 tribes vied for the competition and all the participants were awarded with citations.

Spot painting competition at Kisama

Artist corner at the Hornbill festival 2017 students Art Competition on the theme ‘Clean Election’ was organized by the Department of Art and Culture in coordination with Nagaland Arts Society at World War-II Museum, Kisama.

Art Executive, Department of Art and Culture T. Yanger Ozukum, chaired the programme said that this competition was being organized in order to create awareness about the clean election particularly to young children through art. He also said that colours and sketches can speak many languages and it also enhance the quality of interaction and communication.

Member of Nagaland Art Society, Akup Phom, declared the winners of the competition where the first, second and third prizes were bagged by Neitseizolie Mechulho, Kikruneizo and Khriezokhotuo Dzuvichu respectively.

A poem on ‘clean election’ was recited by Hevelu Swuro and voluntary short speech was delivered by Buddhi Thapa. Vote of thanks was proposed by Mhao Aaron.

Nagaland Governor visits HIPFEST 2017

Governor of Nagaland, P. B. Acharya and his lady wife, Kavita Acharya visited HIPFEST 2017 on 8^th November, 2017 and interacted with the Director, Information & Public Relations, Limawati Ao and the organizers of the event.

Taking a tour of the photo gallery/exhibition, the Governor appreciated the works of the artists and said that compared to the previous years’ exhibitions, HIPFEST 2017 is one of the best that he has visited so far. He was particularly pleased with the works of the young artists at the exhibition and encouraged them to keep up the good works. Later, the Governor personally interacted with Sculptor Artist, Tsuknungmeren Imsong, Illusionary & Fiber Glass Artist, Akup Buchem and Art Curator, David Keneingutuo Sorünuo and appreciated their hard work and talents.

Meren Imsong ‘a sculptor par excellence’ at HIPFEST 2017

(Left) ‘Burden of Man’ the state level award winning wooden sculpture by T.Meren Imsong (Right) Sculptor and painter, T. Meren Imsong working on one of his Paintings.

Preserving the rich Naga traditional art of wood carving and sculpture making, sculptor and painter, T. Meren Imsong has produced excellent works of craftmanship. In 2011, he was awarded at the state level for his wooden sculpture ‘Burden of Man,’ which was later nominated from north-east for the national level. The sculpture consists of 23 human figures depicting the burden of human life.

2007. Meren Imsong, who is 41 years old and based in Dimapur, did not have any formal training. He initially took up the art of wood carving and sculpture making as a hobby at a young age, and became a full time sculptor in 2007. He credits Lepden Jamir for teaching him the art of sculpture making. Chisel and hammer are the tools which he uses and no machineries are used in his crafts. Imsong’s work, the wooden carved ‘Pillar of Love,’ based on the Ao folk-tale of Jina and Etiben and other life-sized wooden sculptures with intricate detailing can be found in Mopungchuket village. Most of his works are related with figurative art.

He has exhibited some of his works in Hornbill International Photo Fest (HIPFEST) 2017 at Heritage Village, Kisama, which consists of wooden carved masks and life-sized traditional wooden sculptures. In 2011, his work ‘Pillar of Fear,’ measuring 13 feet, was exhibited during the Hornbill Festival; it has a total of 113 human figures depicting the past, present and future situation of the Nagas.

Imsong lamented the lack of a common platform for sculptors to come together and exhibit their crafts, exchange ideas and promote the art. He thanked the organisers of HIPFEST 2017 for giving him a platform to showcase his works and expressed his hope that through such medium, the traditional art of sculpture making will be preserved and promoted, especially amongst the younger generation.

All news and pictures courtesy DIPR, Kohima