Twenty-four members of Eastern Gospel Band (EGB), Chenwetnyu completed six-month long training course on brass musical instruments at NPTC parade ground, Chumukedima on Sunday.
During the training period, the band members were imparted training on handling various musical instruments by instructors of Nagaland Police band.
Gracing the valedictory function as special guest, minister RD and REPA, C.L. John said EGB could helped solve the problem of unemployment, when more youths join the band. He said there has been increase in demand for brass band on many occasions, and that EGB being the only private band would be beneficial, if the youth take it seriously. The minister, who is also from Chenwetnyu said, the band was formed with the support of village council and the Church. He therefore, said it discouraged youth from involving in unhealthy activities. C.L. John also lauded the instructors and police department for imparting discipline among the band members during the training. He further urged the band members not to forget what they have learnt, but go to the village and trained their fellow friends. The minister was accompanied by parliamentary secretary for art & culture E. Eshak Konyak and advisor DUDA N.Thongwang Konyak. DIG (training/border), Bendang Lemtur, IPS in his welcome address lauded the EGB members for their exemplarily during the training period. “EGB has become more disciplined than the uniformed personnel”, he added. He further urged the band not to lose their six months go wasted but asked them practice constantly. Earlier, the programme was chaired by principal Aboli Metha, NPS while short speech was delivered by BDO Chumukedima, Yamao. Vote of thanks was said by assistant principal, Imtiakum Pongen NPTS.
It may be noted that the band formerly known as “The Theist band” was formed in 1998 by a few young men. Later, the nomenclature was changed to Eastern Gospel Band on the motto: “To enlighten from the darkness”. Since then, its membership has increased with the enrolment of young men and women.
The aim of the EGB was to prevent young people from falling into bad companies like alcohol, drugs addict, etc. The band also received support from the church and had been certified to function as one of its branches.
EGB has also established music school at Chenwetnyu village with the approval of the Konyak Baptist Chruch association. The school has so far trained more than 300 people.