Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 26
Coinciding with the 66th Republic Day celebration, the Governor’s Award 2014 programme was also held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan. The award was conferred to Smt Vetahülü Sapu and Smt Lamtsala H. Sangtam for their outstanding contributions in the field of music. Though 21 names were nominated by the various district level committees for the prestigious award for the year 2014, only two made the cut after several rounds of scrutiny.
Mention be made that the Governor’s Award, instituted by the Government of Nagaland since 2004, is being awarded to individuals who stand distinguished in the fields of art, music and literature.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang while congratulating the awardees urged them not to rest on their laurels, but to keep on improving and to sharpen their talents so as to leave the best legacy to the present and future generation.
“Awards in themselves are meaningless if not followed with responsibility. The prestige and responsibility which comes with these awards are well known and the continued outstanding performances of the past awardees speak for themselves,” Zeliang said.
While maintaining that all the nominated individuals always do not make the final cut, he, however, said that the selection process is designed not to discourage artistes in various fields, but also to encourage those who were not selected, for them to keep on improving and further to give their best effort towards building the Naga society, regardless of recognition or not.
Governor PB Acharya in his address congratulated the two awardees. He underlined that the Nagas have so much to give to the world, especially in the field of indigenous sports and indigenous medicines. He also expressed hope that the Nagas will play a bigger role in contributing towards making India a great nation.
Renowned local singer Methaneilie Jütakhrie and his band entertained the gathering during the award ceremony.
About Vetahülü Sapu:
Vetahülü Sapu is a folk musician and has immensely contributed to the promotion and development of Naga culture in general and Chakhesang tribe in particular. Born to on February 8 1982, she is the daughter of Mr Puneyi sapu and Mrs Ngabulü sapu. She had keen interest in learning and singing folk songs even from early childhood. She underwent folk music course at Chakhesang Cultural Research Institute (CCRI) at Chetheba from 2000 to 2001 and was trained under Guru Shikshya Parampara and Sangeet Natak Academy from 2004-2006. She was awarded the NEZCC Young Talented Artiste Award 2009-2010. She is serving as an instructor in folk music, dance, arts and indigenous songs in the same institute since 2009 till date.
About Lamtsala H Sangtam:
Lamtsala H Sangtam is a versatile musician and a band manager. She is an accomplished Naga folk singer and the lead singer of the Purple Fusion band. Born on May 13, 1985, she is a political science graduate. She started performing at the age of six. Lamtsala is also known as one of the most dynamic and powerful live performers the Northeast has ever had. She is the only female singer from the region who has made it the big channels like MTV/VH1/NDTV, etc. She has been inspiring and motivating for many youngsters to dig deep into their culture and to give the world something new and refreshing rather than just singing popular numbers to make a living. She is also a mentor and the co-owner of Purple Artist production house.
