Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday disclosed that a music school would be set up in Mokokchung with `40 lakhs to be sanctioned by the state government this year.
The need for a music academy with performing arts at Mokokchung was discussed between the Chief Minister and the Mokokchung District Art and Culture Council (MDACC) earlier and subsequently the latter was entrusted to look after the management of school by the chief minister.
Stressing the need for music academies in the state, Rio said Nagas have many inborn talents but added that it needed to be groomed and nurtured.
By doing so, the chief minister expressed hope that the youth in the state can have musicians in the national and international standards.
He said this at the rechristening of Naga Idol to Naga Orpheus Hunt and launching of the show on Friday at the Cosmos Hall Mokokchung where he was the chief guest.
Speaking at the launching program, Rio said Mokokchung and the Ao tribe as the most advanced tribe were the first to lead in many activities and expressed happiness that he was not wrong in coining Mokokchung as the ‘land of fashion and music’.
The chief minister also said Naga Orpheus (Naga Idol) was an opportunity, a platform for the youth to showcase their talents and believed that it would achieve new heights and throw new challenges to people.
He went on to add that music and sports was a profession and a short cut to fame and riches.
Though the state was poor and small in size comprising of tribals, he said Nagas have excelled in the field of sports and music both nationally and internationally.
He also revealed that through the Music Task Force, the state government would sponsor the Naga Orpheus annually with `10 lakhs until it can carry on on its own.
Concluding his remarks, the chief minister urged the MDACC to fulfill the dreams of the youth and take forward the society to the path of progress.
Meanwhile, MDACC has informed that audition for Naga Orpheus Hunt would start from September and the detailed schedule notified in a day or two.
Earlier in the program, welcome address was delivered by Lithrongla G. Chishi president MDACC and deputy commissioner Mokokchung, an “Expository note” by Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS additional chief secretary and founding president MDACC.
The program also witnessed performance by Naga Idol winners including Moanungsang, Rokovotuo, Toshinaro, Renbeni Odyou and Naga Idol finalist Atsungla Imchen.
The program was attended by Imkong L Imchen, home minister, Dr. Nicky Kire, MLA Toshipokba besides a host of dignitaries.
Rio visits Ugma
After the launching of the Naga Idol, chief minister Neiphiu Rio also visited Ungma village to take a first hand inspection of the ongoing developmental works in the village.
Rio interacted with village leaders and visited the construction site of the traditional amphitheater that is being constructed at Ungma under his supervision.
Rio also visited the site of the P. Shillu Park that is presently under construction. Rio was accompanied by home minister, Imkong Imchen, MLA Dr. Nicky Kire, ACS & Development Commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir and senior officers of various departments including the district administration and police.
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