Kohima, February 2: The Governor’s Award 2025 in the fields of Arts, Music, and Literature was conferred upon five distinguished personalities at a formal ceremony held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall in Kohima, recognising their outstanding contributions to Nagaland’s cultural and creative landscape.
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| Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla presents the Governor’s Award 2025 in Arts, Music and Literature to distinguished awardees at Lok Bhavan, Kohima. (Image Credit: x.com/Neiphiu_Rio) |
The awards were presented by Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who lauded the recipients for their dedication to preserving, promoting, and enriching the state's artistic and literary heritage. The ceremony was attended by eminent personalities, government officials, artists, writers, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts from across the state.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the Governor, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A brief overview of the Governor’s Award and its significance was presented by Smti Bodeno S. Colo, NCS, Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture, who highlighted the state's commitment to encouraging excellence in creative fields.
The event featured the reading of citations for the five awardees, each recognised for their exceptional achievements in their respective disciplines.
In the field of visual arts, Mannyei Konyak was honoured for her remarkable contributions to sculpture and woodwork. Her creations, known for reflecting indigenous traditions and cultural narratives, were showcased during the ceremony, allowing attendees to appreciate her craftsmanship and artistic vision.
The award in the category of performing arts was presented to Guru Rarenbenba, recognising his dedication and contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional and contemporary performing arts in Nagaland.
In the field of music, awards were conferred on Colored Keys and Moko Koza, both of whom have made significant contributions to the state's music scene. The two awardees captivated the audience with live performances, adding a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere to the event while showcasing the diversity and talent present within Nagaland’s musical community.
The award for literature was presented to Vishü Rita Krocha, a noted writer and literary figure whose works have contributed significantly to contemporary Naga literature. She also presented a reading from her literary work, offering the audience a glimpse into her creative journey and storytelling prowess.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla emphasised the importance of arts, music, and literature in shaping society and preserving cultural identity. He noted that artists and writers serve as custodians of history, tradition, and collective memory, and encouraged the younger generation to pursue creative excellence while remaining rooted in their cultural heritage.
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, who was also present at the programme, congratulated the award recipients and acknowledged their contributions towards enhancing the cultural profile of the state. He expressed hope that their achievements would inspire aspiring artists, musicians, and writers across Nagaland.
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The Governor’s Award is regarded as one of the highest recognitions bestowed by the state government in the cultural sector, honouring individuals who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in their respective fields.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a group photograph of the awardees with the Governor and other dignitaries. A high tea was later hosted at the Banquet Hall, providing an opportunity for interaction among artists, officials, and guests as they celebrated the achievements of Nagaland’s creative community.
