Shilula wins state level tribal painting competition

KOHIMA — Shilula T from Government Higher Secondary School in Tuensang won the first prize of the state-level tribal painting competition among tribal students held at DUDA conference hall in Kohima on Friday.

Anguvika Kinimi from Canaan Higher Secondary School in Mokokchung and Ruyivelu Phesao from Christian Mission Higher Secondary School in Diphupar under Chümoukedima won second and third positions respectively.

The state-level tribal painting competition was organised by Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Nagaland, under Tribal Affairs department and funded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as part of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas 2023.

Delivering the keynote address, Hito Sema, joint secretary of Tribal Affairs department, informed that Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas celebration started from November 15 and various activities were conducted to commemorate the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a tribal leader from Jharkhand who fought against British colonial rule in the late 19th century.

He stated that India’s struggle for freedom was significantly fortified by the movements of various tribal communities including the Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis and Mizos among others. However, he stated despite their immense contributions, the heroic efforts of those tribal leaders were not widely known among the public.

Therefore recognising the need to enlighten future generations about the invaluable sacrifices made by the tribal heroes, the official stated that Government of India in 2021 designated November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda.

He further commended the efforts made by the participants for winning in their respective districts and making it to state level. He also gave away the prizes to the winners.

The painting competition was held on the theme “I love my Nagaland” with Temjen Aier (freelance artist); Andy Sekhose (art curator from Art and Culture department) and Neivotuo Keyho (art executive from Art and Culture department) as judges.

Altogether, 13 schools from different districts took part in the competition.

The participants were taken on sightseeing to State museum and WWII cemetery led by Dr. Meyisangla, joint director of Tribal Affairs.

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