The Governor’s Award in the Field of Arts, Music and Literature 2026 was conferred on five distinguished awardees during the 80th Independence Day “At Home” reception held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on August 15.
Governor Nand Kishore Yadav congratulated the awardees, saying their achievements reflected years of dedication, creativity, discipline and perseverance, while showcasing Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage.
He said the award was not only a recognition of excellence but also an affirmation of the collective responsibility to preserve and carry forward the State’s cultural heritage. Arts, music and literature, he observed, enable society to “remember its past, understand its present and imagine its future.”
Highlighting Nagaland’s diverse traditions, languages, songs, stories, dances, crafts and artistic expressions, Yadav said artists, musicians and writers were not merely creators but also custodians of collective memory and identity. He stressed that tradition and modernity need not be opposites, and encouraged artists to explore new techniques and ideas while remaining rooted in their cultural heritage.
The Governor also called for greater collaboration among educational and cultural institutions, artists, writers, musicians and community organisations to identify and nurture young talent. He highlighted digital archives, recordings, translations and online platforms as tools to take Nagaland’s creative traditions to wider audiences.
Emphasising the importance of indigenous languages and traditional knowledge, Yadav said their preservation was essential to maintaining cultural diversity. He added that the progress of society should be measured not only through infrastructure and economic indicators but also “through the richness of its culture and the strength of its human spirit.”
He said Nagaland’s cultural heritage could serve as a bridge between the State and the rest of India, contributing its distinctive stories to the larger national narrative.
The Governor conferred the awards on Aku Zeliang and Bendang Walling in Arts, and Divine Connection, Imkonglemba and Joey Woch in Music. He urged the awardees to view the recognition as encouragement to reach greater heights and inspire the next generation.
Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Advisors, MLAs, senior government officials, awardees and invited guests attended the programme.
