Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister & Chairman, IDAN (3rd from L), Theja Meru, Chairman, TaFMA (3rd from R) seen with other dignitaries and officials during the official launch of 'The Road to Liberty' Exhibition at RCEMPA on July 21. (Morung Photo)
Road to Liberty Exhibition opens at RCEMPA, public viewing from July 22-25
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 21
Nagaland and America share a special bond comprising a close relationship and a partnership that is special and strategic, remarked Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister & Chairman, Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) on Tuesday.
Addressing the official launch of "The Road to Liberty- The Leaders and Moments that forged the United States" Exhibition at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA), he spoke about the connections that Nagaland and Naga people have with America while highlighting the cultural connects, shared history, the advent of Christianity, education, and development.
Extending his best wishes and congratulations to American friends on its 250th anniversary, he stated happiness to commemorate the landmark occasion not just for the American people but for the entire planet as a whole.
He thanked the White House Founders Museum for bringing the story of America's independence to the far corner of the world in Kohima and "for giving opportunity to our people to experience the American story, to understand the story towards freedom and democracy, the foundation stones building blocks were laid of a country that is today the leader of the world."
Like the rest of the world, he said that, "we also look up to America as the leader of a free world, the home for free speech, the protector of freedom, the nation that stands up for democracy and much more."
Recalling that Nagaland has had some wonderful partnerships and collaborations with America over the past decades in so many fields, he exuded hope that today's initiative would be another milestone that strengthens the ties, and enable youngsters to tap on past history for them to continue the collaboration that is built on respect for each other.
While Nagaland is a small state, and a small people, he said that, "we have a proud history of culture, heritage and legacy which our foreparents have left behind."
Metha also called upon the youth to continue to network with their international friends and continue to build upon what has been laid to further succeed as a people and most importantly, continue towards humanity and strengthening of democracy.
Underscoring the importance of standing up for free speech and free expression, he also maintained that in this regard, artists and musicians have a key role to play.
Whether it is composing music, painting on canvas, writing a song, or scripting a poem, he said that they would tell our stories to the world while expressing that, "our young people have become the new ambassadors of a new Nagaland."
Further as an alumnus of theInternational Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the State Department of United States, Metha said, "It is my commitment to continue to work towards strengthening of ties, and bringing our two people together, bringing America, and Nagaland India closer."
He also congratulated Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) on hosting the Exhibition, which is an initiative of the U.S Consulate General Kolkata.
The Exhibition will be opened to public from July 22-25 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at RCEMPA.
In his chairperson’s address, TaFMA head Theja Meru, also an IVLP alumnus, reflected on his association with America and highlighted that the exhibition features the people and history that shaped the nation.
Highlights of the official launch included prelude by Zavino Nakhro, special song by Lucy Arila and vote of thanks by Adu Keditsu, Manager, TaFMA
