Performing arts is a powerful medium for public education: Governor Mukhi

September 28, 2022 32 Views No Comment

Five Nagas conferred Governor’s Award in the field of Arts, Music and Literature

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 28

Governor of Nagaland, Prof Jagdish Mukhi today called on the people involved in the arts and music to look at the roles they can play in the society and the ways they can use their mediums to effectively convey social messages.

He was speaking during the 19th Edition of the Governor’s Award in the field of Arts, Music and Literature 2021 & 2022 at the Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan on September 27.

A total of five persons were conferred the commendation this year. The awardees included Wapang Ozukum for Arts (2021), Sunep Lemtur for Music (2021), Zangzang Zeliang for Music (2021), Bethel Tsuzu for Music (2022) and Tali Angh for Music (2022).

“They can also educate the population on various issues such as health, literacy and the values of truth, tolerance and harmony. In remote and distant areas as well as in the hilly and difficult terrains of our State, the performing arts can be used as a powerful medium for public education, particularly for creating awareness to eradicate social evils and to impart information about welfare schemes,” the Governor said.

He said the approach in the policy for recognition to outstanding persons for the cultural development of the State can result in people becoming patrons of performing arts and stakeholders in the efforts towards preservation of the rich cultural history.

While observing that some of the Naga traditional folk arts are fast disappearing for want of ‘patronage,’ he emphasised the need to look at how the “patrons of arts, music and literature” in the society – whether corporate Houses, musical societies, local artist groups, can be encouraged to support the classical and the traditional arts music and literature.

He also encouraged social organizations and corporate houses to promote music, art and literature as a means to bring about awareness, harmony and peace in society.

The Governor said that the Award should be to encourage the best talent from all parts of the State and also to reach the performing arts and literature to a larger number of people.

Commending art, music and literature as highly acclaimed and unique to the country, the Governor maintained that performing arts, both classical and folk, are basic to the Indian identity from ancient times. These forms in the state are blending with the modern trend and Indian culture to a considerable extent, he said, adding that the state occupies an important place on the cultural map of the country.

“We can be just proud of our rich heritage and varied culture. This has been possible because of our inherent strengths and resilience as well as our ability to incorporate change and cope with new ideas without losing our basic character and values,” he pointed out. As a result, we have inherited a valuable range of art, literature, music, monuments, customs and traditions that enrich our lives, Governor Mukhi said.

Describing the awardees as “achievers who have reaped what they have sown through hard work, sheer determination and overcome enormous odds with their remarkable courage and indomitable spirit,” Mukhi said that a bright future and more accolades lie ahead for all the Awardees.

He also commented that the award also contributes substantially to the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage and help to revive and preserve folk music, dance and literatures.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary and Chairperson of the State Level Committee, J Alam, in his address acknowledged the Governor of Nagaland and Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio for completing the formalities of the award and looked forward to their guidance and patronage in the days to come. Describing the award as the pinnacle of State recognition in the field of Arts, Music and Literature, Alamexpressed hope that the awardees would strive to promote art and culture in Nagaland and that the award would continue to inspire people towards artistic pursuits.

During the programme Awardee Wapang Ozukum’s paintings were displayed, Sunep Lemtur and Zangzang Zeliang’s videos were screened. The recipients in the music category also performed during the ceremony.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/performing-arts-is-a-powerful-medium-for-public-education-governor-mukhi