Correspondent
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 1
The much awaited Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) located at Jotsoma, Kohima which was mooted in 2004, was formally inaugurated today by the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio.
The Chief Minister, in his brief address after unveiling the monolith of the Kohima RCEMPA, termed the occasion a memorable one as the opening of the centre which has been a “cherished project” of the state coincides with the 50 years of Nagaland statehood celebrations.
He asserted that the Nagas are talented people as far as singing and music is concerned and he expressed pride that many Naga people are pursuing and studying music to become polished professionals.
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With the launch of the RCEMPA, the Chief Minister hoped that the youth will take their talents to reach greater heights. Maintaining that music is one of the finest professions having a wide-reaching market, Rio urged upon all music enthusiasts and parents to encourage the younger generation to take up music as a profession. To musicians, he urged them to pursue their dreams.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged those who made the RCEMPA project possible with their efforts to present a platform for Naga youth to excel in music.
Earlier, in his welcome address, MLA & advisor Music Task Force (MTF), Khriehu Liezietsu attributed the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts as the “brainchild” of the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio. He stated that it was a great day for music lovers of Nagaland as the vision which was conceived by the state government to promote music/musicians nine years ago has become a reality today.
He said that the first phase of the centre, with state-of-the-art facilities, was constructed with an estimated cost of Rs.17.8 crores and the second phase will ensue in the future. Liezietsu expressed hope that the newly inaugurated RCEMPA will enable the Naga people’s aspirations as they strive to excel in the field of music. He also expressed happiness that the centre was being launched during his tenure as the advisor for MTF. The MLA acknowledged the people involved in the completion of the centre, making a special mention of the former advisor for MTF, Dr. Neikesalie (Nicky) Kire, the Jotsoma Village Council, Kohima Science College principal, engineering wing of the department of Youth Resources & Sports and contractor Neibu Nagi.
A host of politicians and bureaucrats, musicians and well wishers attended the inauguration programme. economic integration with the region.
“The Centre and State Governments should work together to rapidly build connectivity and infrastructure linkages with the rest of India as well as our neighbours,” he added.
