DIPR
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 4
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Department of Art & Culture celebrated its Golden Jubilee with the theme “Nurturing perpetual values” today at the Folk Amphitheater, Directorate Complex Bayavü Hill, Kohima with Parliamentary Secretary, Art & Culture, Printing & Stationery, Er. Kropol Vitsu as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Vitsu expressed his happiness over the department for attaining 50 years of existence. He said that the department has been doing yeoman’s service as our people, irrespective of tribes could exchange and showcase various items related to our culture.
Highlighting the importance of Hornbill Festival, he said every year the number of both domestic and foreign tourists coming to witness our art and cultural activities and way of celebrating cultural festivals have been increasing enormously.
“We are united by our culture and we have the affinity in our culture though we speak different dialects”, he added.
Director, Art & Culture, Vevo Sapuh, while delivering the welcome address and introductory speech said the department came into being on November, 1964 and also expressed his appreciation to the first Director of Art & Culture, Alemchiba Ao for his initiative and concerted efforts. He said the past 50 years have seen infrastructural development of the Department with an international class World War II Museum established at Kisama, Multi-Cultural complexes at Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Dimapur.
The State Archives building was inaugurated in 2010, he said. In order to upgrade the standard of maintenance and for faster restoration of records, the Department procured and installed the Book Drive-Pro. In March, 2012 a programme titled ‘Return of Naga heritage from USA’ was held in the State Archives where the Department officially received the private collection of Dr. Gordon P. Means, he said.
Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture I. Himato Zhimomi delivered greetings and launched the Department website. He said the main motive of the department was for the cultivation of our society and not for any other purpose. He also emphasized that culture should be evolving and not static as our present society has been confronting now.
Retired Director, Art & Culture and Chief Information Commissioner, Kevinino Meru released the Jubilee souvenir. The programme was marked by dances and songs presented by different cultural troupes from Pochury, Khaimniungan and Zeliang tribes. Welcome song was presented by CBCMHK choir. Vote of thanks was proposed by Art Executive, Vilalhou Noudi.
Earlier, the Folk Amphitheatre and Photo Exhibition were inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary, Art & Culture, Printing & Stationery, Er. Kropol Vitsu and Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture, I. Himato Zhimomi respectively.
