The ‘At Home’ ceremony, along with the Governor’s Award for distinction in Arts, Music, and Literature, was held at Dr Imkongliba Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 15 August. The event was marked by speeches that highlighted the importance of the day and the cultural significance of the awards.
The Governor, in his address, emphasized the profound significance of Independence Day, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by forefathers to secure India’s freedom. He stressed the importance of upholding the values of democracy, unity, and integrity, and acknowledged the contributions of individuals from various fields who have helped the country achieve greatness. The Governor also spoke about the ‘Amrit Kaal,’ a term coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to describe a period of renewal and resurgence, urging everyone to work collectively towards a more prosperous India.
The vision of a “Viksit Bharat” – a developed India with thriving citizens, robust infrastructure, and global prominence – requires our collective dedication, innovation, and unity, the Governor stated.
In his speech, the Governor also underscored the role of culture in shaping identity, stating that art, music, and literature are vital threads that add color to India’s diverse heritage. He expressed pride in honoring exceptional talents in these fields through the Governor’s Award, which stands as a testament to the vibrant cultural landscape of Nagaland. He congratulated the awardees for their dedication and passion, which have enriched the cultural heritage and inspired others.
Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, provided a brief history of the Governor’s Award, noting that it was instituted in 2003 to recognize and award eminent personalities in the fields of Arts, Music, and Literature. He explained that the selection process begins at the district level and is overseen by the Department of Art and Culture, with final recommendations made by a state-level committee.
Imchen highlighted the importance of preserving and nurturing the state’s rich cultural heritage, noting that while society progresses, it is essential to retain the essence of unique folk arts. He thanked the Governor and the Chief Minister of Nagaland for their support and patronage in this endeavor.
Minister of Roads & Bridges, G Kaito Aye, addressed the gathering, emphasizing Nagaland’s rich artistic heritage and the pivotal role art plays in societal progress. He warned against relegating cultural values in the face of technological advancements, which could lead to the decline of life itself. He expressed pride in the latent talents within Naga society and stressed the importance of harnessing these talents through government initiatives like the Governor’s Award.
This year, the Governor’s Award was presented to three individuals and one society: Temjen Aier and Throngkiuba Yimchungru in the field of Arts, NK Naga in the field of Music, and Lidi Kro-u Society, also in the field of Music. The awards serve not only as recognition of their talents but also as an encouragement for others to pursue their dreams and contribute to the state’s cultural richness.