Three receive Rev Dr Neiliezhü Üsou’s Memorial Award for music

Our Correspondent
Kohima,Sep8 (EMN):Mengubeinuo Solo of Northfield school; Khikha and Lhuvi Khate of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur; and Thuisemla Shanglai of Patkai Higher Secondary School Chumukedima received the prestigious Rev Dr Neiliezhü Üsou’s
Memorial Award for Music at an award ceremony inside the Ministers’ Hill Baptist Church Kohima on Saturday.
The trio secured 95 marks each in music in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination 2018 conducted by Nagaland Board of School Education. They received INR 15,000 along with the citations sponsored by Rev Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou’s Memorial Society. The music award is in recognition of Rev Dr Neiliezhü Üsou’s enduring vision and contribution to the field of music.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu, chairman, NKVIB congratulated the Neiliezhü’s family for keeping his legacy alive and spoke on the importance of promoting and popularising musicians who compose and sing songs in local dialect.

Narrating that Neiliezhü had encouraged local music and instruments, he said “We need to follow his footstep and encourage the youngsters to promote indigenous song and instrument. We need to encourage music in our own dialect, and popularised it.” Keditsu lamented that we give more focus on English and Hindi songs other than local music, therefore, he suggested that the schools can also play a role in encouraging the students to learn local dialect music and indigenous instruments.

“We need to encourage our own local economy through local musicians, sportsperson and entrepreneurs” said Keditsu. While acknowledging that Nagas are very talented in various fields, he said “Sports person and musicians are blessings from God and not just talent.”

One the award recipients, Solo in her acceptance speech said there had been a significant growth of music in Nagaland after the contribution of Dr Neiliezhü in music. She hoped that with the award, more students will be inspired to take music.

Another speaker at the ceremony, Vesato Theluo asked the recipients awardees to treasure the award and develop their skills in music stating that they are receiving the award who contributed alot in music for Nagas.