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Dimapur, Jan. 22 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said that Nagaland is a beautiful tribal state with each tribe having its rich culture and tradition, and it should be protected and promoted.
He was speaking to ‘master artists’ and school children during the valedictory programme of TaFMA Art Residency at Tuophema village.
Rio said that from the ancient times, “culture and tradition was expressed through arts, music and dance", an update from DIPR stated.
Stating that ‘human life is art itself’, he called upon the participants to express their feelings through their works and become professional artists.
He also expressed gratitude for choosing Tuophema – ‘Tourist Village’ -- for the first art residency camp, adding that the Tourist Village was inaugurated by Dr. S.C Jamir in 2001 on the occasion of Sekrenyi festival.
Rio said that the younger generation should live positively and find a way out to live with one’s culture and tradition.
Lauding the work of the artists, he shared his experience of collecting arts from various art exhibitions to encourage the artistes and also to promote Naga art and motifs. He pointed out the importance of pricing art works reasonably, adding that the artist should earn the trust and recognition of the people first.
The CM expressed hope that TaFMA would continue to promote young and master artists to become professionals. He also encouraged the artists, who are empanelled with TaFMA, to become better professionals, and the young students to become professionals.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha also extended his gratitude to Rio for his constant support towards the artists community ‘that drives on innovation and creativity, which can help our society to make progress’.
Speaking about TaFMA Art Residency, Metha said that the first art residency started with an aim to bring master artists in one place and to reach out to the local community schools, give them capacity building and training in art classes and contribute to the society.
"Today, through the vision of our Chief Minister, we are inspiring young children at the grassroots level of our society; this residency will not end here but it is the beginning of a long journey; it will reach out to different districts and different areas," he said.
Maintaining that one of the earliest works of the human race, million years ago, were on the walls of caves, on rocks, he said human beings tell their stories through art.
Metha called upon the artists to know the power they hold to influence people's mind and to grow as a responsible citizen, and tell a positive story of Nagaland to the outside world. He also stressed on the power of social media, which he said, can take their works to every corner of the world.
The chief minister gave away the prizes and certificates to the winners of the Art competition. Kevikhrietuo won the first prize, while Viseduo and Ruduozelie Kense won the second and third prizes respectively.
The programme was chaired by Advisor TaFMA, Theja Meru, who also delivered the welcome address.