Nagaland forges partnership with Wales for Hornbill Festival

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Government has signed Wales, one of the countries that form the United Kingdom, as a partner for the Hornbill Festival, one of India’s biggest cultural festivals.

According to a DIPR update on Wednesday, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio visited Wales this week to sign the country as a partner. “This year, Wales has been made a designated partner of the festival marking the end of Wales in India 2024, a year-long series of celebrations and events to strengthen ties between the two countries,” it stated.

Representatives of the Welsh government, the British Council, and the Wales Arts International met with the chief minister at the British Council offices in Cardiff on September 30 to sign the partnership agreement. Rio also met with deputy first minister of Wales and cabinet secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies MS.

As part of his visit to Wales, Rio held talks with the newly-appointed minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS. He spoke of his appreciation to the Welsh government and the British Council for the opportunity to visit Wales to discuss their partnership with Hornbill Festival.

“We have confidence that this partnership will strengthen ties between our two countries and increase people-to-people contact and open opportunities for young people. Nagaland has a rich heritage, and we look forward to welcoming Wales to experience the land of festivals, for the 25th edition of Hornbill,” Rio said.

The chief minister and his delegation also visited the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the School of Sport and Health Sciences at the Cardiff Metropolitan University. The chief minister’s delegation included Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu; Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha; Commissioner & Secretary to Chief Minister, Kesonyu Yhome; and Press Relations Officer to Chief Minister, Rusemtong Longkumer. The delegation met with students and discussed opportunities during a tour of the facilities, it stated.

The Chief Minister added: “We will be exploring avenues for students from Nagaland to embark on courses at these impressive universities as well as for musicians and artists to perform in Wales.”

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, said: “We are delighted that the Hornbill Festival is part of the Wales in India 2024 celebration of two nations of culture and innovation. We have had a long association with the festival and are looking forward to bringing artists and speakers from Wales for the festival to collaborate, exchange ideas and inspiration and showcase their work to audiences in Nagaland as one of India's most spectacular festivals celebrates its 25th anniversary.”