Akashvani Kohima organised a Folk Song Competition titled “Voices of the Youth” at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, this evening, commemorating 90 years of broadcasting.
The competition featured young participants, primarily college students, representing diverse Naga tribes.
The Vetao Ayan group, representing the Khiamniungan tribe, was declared the winner of the competition. Cries of the Angh from the Konyak tribe and the Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima, representing the Sangtam tribe, secured the second and third positions respectively.
The winners received cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000, and Rs 30,000 respectively.
In the Special Category for attire, the Khiamniungan and Zeliang tribes were awarded Rs 20,000 each.
Four consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 each were also presented to the Angami, Chang, Kuki, and Yimkhiung tribes.
The prize money was sponsored by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, while the Task Force for Music and Arts (TAFMA) served as the venue partner.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Head of Programme, Akashvani Kohima, Ella Kayina, said the year-long celebration of 90 years of radio broadcasting in India reflects the rich cultural legacy preserved by Akashvani over the decades. She noted that the celebration began in June 2025 and will continue until June 2026.
Kayina highlighted that Akashvani Kohima has been conducting various programmes as part of the celebration, including essay competitions for government schools in both Hindi and English, and a Hindi singing competition, with more activities planned in the coming months.
Emphasizing Akashvani Kohima’s unique contribution at both regional and national levels, she said the station broadcasts 15 tribal dialect programmes, each lasting 30 minutes on its Primary Channel. “Tribal dialect programmes are the backbone of the station,” she said, adding that Akashvani Kohima has the highest number of dialect broadcasts in the country.
“As we celebrate Akashvani’s rich cultural legacy and 90 years of broadcasting through this Folk Song Competition, we pay tribute to our folk artists, many of whom may no longer be with us, but whose legacy continues to inspire us,” she added.
Acknowledging the efforts of the participants, Kayina said preparing for the competition may have been a journey of self-discovery for many. “By taking part, you’ve learned a new song and a new skill, and you are performing in one of the finest venues in the state,” she remarked.
A special presentation by the Tikhir Women Union, Kohima, also featured during the event, celebrating the richness of Naga heritage and musical traditions.
The panel of judges included James Shikiye Swu, composer, conductor and music educator; Vesato Theluo, Managing Director, Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts (NCMFA); and Eli Imti, singer, songwriter and soloist.
The programme was compered by Vizosienuo Shüya and Kaihrü Henry Chisüte, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Khriesaneisa Rutsa, Programme Executive (Coordination), Akashvani Kohima.
