Winner of 1st Nagaland Catholic Choral Fiesta.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 5
Christ the King Church (CKC) Kohima village today bagged as the winner of 1st Nagaland Catholic Choral Fiesta (NCCF) held at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima.
Held under the theme "Una Fides Una Voce" meaning "One Faith One Voice", the musical event was organized by the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), apex lay organization of the Catholics.
St. Francis De Sales (SFS) Parish Kohima town secured the first runner up position followed by Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Kohima as the second runner up.
The winner walked away a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh while the first and second runners up received Rs 1. 50 lakh and Rs 70,000 respectively. St Ignatius Parish Razeba under Phek district and St Paul Parish Phesama under Kohima district received consolation prizes of Rs 50,000 each.
Advisor to the chief minister of Nagaland, Abu Metha, graced the musical event as the special guest while Advisor to the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) Theja Meru was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Metha said pointed that the event is a time of fellowship and an opportunity to celebrate young talents of Nagaland. He lauded the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) for the ‘wonderful project’ and added saying that the Catholic community has made significant contributions across the world.
He praised the Catholic community for the contributions made towards the Naga society, particularly in terms of education and healthcare. Highlighting that the Catholic community is a global community with vast network, he said that government and non-governmental organizations should work with the Catholic community for the benefit of children.
Recalling his recent visit to St Joseph's university in Dimapur, he reiterated his commitment that a centre of excellence in sports will be brought to the university if an athletic track is built by the management. In this regard, he said that the state government aims to bring experts and national trainers to colleges and university to train younger sportspersons.
It is time for Nagaland to be known for the right reasons and 'Brand Nagaland’ must grow in positive nature, he said. Questioning for how long the state will be known for insurgencies, he said that it is time for the people to take destiny in their own hands. He also urged the youth to be hardworking.
Further, he informed that the winner of the competition will get the opportunity to perform at the Hornbill festival and will be trained by experts from TaFMA.
Advisor to the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) Theja Meru, addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, said that there is a good space for music and arts in the state.
Platforms like the 1st NCCF, he said, grooms and trains the youth. He encouraged upcoming musicians to dream big and be proud of what they do. He assured that TaFMA will continue to support the Catholic community in all way possible.
The top five choirs were selected from among 9 choirs that performed at the musical event. The top 9 were selected from out of 28 teams that auditioned for the fiesta.
Earlier, delivering the presidential address, Johnny Ruangmei informed that the Catholic Church is the second largest church in the state. The talents of the youth, he said, is unexplored.
The fiesta is the first of it's kind that brought Catholic youth from all across Nagaland. He added that it is a learning experience and the baby step taken is a stepping stone towards the growth of the church.
The event started with the Shepherd's blessings by Most Reverend Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) performed 'Baba Yetu' while other special numbers were performed by Rev Fr Gabriel Gaikhan, Nounengu Augustine Whuorie, Ketoulhoutuo Dominic Zuyie and Menguseü Suokhrie. Vote of thanks was proposed by Elias T Lotha while final blessing was pronounced by Kohima Diocese, vicar general Fr Neisalhou Carlos.
