Advisor to Art & Culture and Treasuries & Accounts, K Konngam Konyak, (4th from L) seen, Bodeno S Colo, Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture (5th from L), Adela Moa, Director of Art & Culture (4th from R), Er Kakheli Swu, Executive Engineer, Art & Culture (3rd from R) and other Officials during the inauguration of Nagaland Indigenous Tribes Cultural Resource Centre in Kohima on May 7. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 7
Constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,283.08 lakh, with Central and State contributions of Rs 583.54 lakh and Rs 699.54 lakh respectively, the Nagaland Indigenous Tribes Cultural Resource Centre (NITCRC), Kohima, was inaugurated on Thursday by K Konngam Konyak, Advisor for Art & Culture and Treasuries & Accounts.
Addressing the gathering after unveiling the stone monolith and cutting the ribbon, the Advisor highlighted that the centre reflects a thoughtful and forward-looking vision.
The centre has been developed not merely as a place to “preserve the past, but as a living cultural space-where traditions can be actively practiced, shared, and carried forward to future generations,” he added.
Stating that Nagaland is home to a rich and vibrant cultural heritage, shaped by the traditions, knowledge, and practices of indigenous communities, Konyak noted that “each tribe carries its own distinct identity and together, they form the collective cultural strength of our State.”
He further underscored that one of the most significant aspects of the centre is that all 16 tribes of Nagaland are represented and each community would be provided a dedicated space to present and sustain its unique heritage.
They will also be part of shared environment that promotes mutual respect, understanding, and unity, he added.
“The Centre brings together multiple functions under one roof- from exhibition and learning spaces to areas that support research, documentation, and cultural activities”, the Advisor added ,while highlighting that the presence of the District Cultural Office, Kohima will further strengthen coordination, enabling continuous engagement with communities and ensuring that the centre remains active and relevant.
Further, he noted that the centre’s ability to maintain a balance between preservation and participation was especially encouraging, describing it as not only a space for safeguarding cultural heritage but also a platform where traditions can continue to evolve through interaction, learning, and community engagement.
He commended the Department of Art & Culture (DA&C) and all those who have commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of our people.
“May it serve as a vibrant space of learning, unity, and cultural pride for generations to come,” he pronounced.
A platform for tribal identity & heritage
Giving a brief Technical Report on the project, Er Kakheli Swu, Executive Engineer, DA&C, informed that the project was initially sanctioned on September 19, 2011 and the work commenced during 2012.
However, she said the work had to be halted due to certain challenges and issues, while funding under the NLCPR scheme was also discontinued from 2016 onwards.
After a lapse of eight years, Er Swu said the State Government, in 2024, took the initiative to complete the project using its own resources, culminating in the successful completion of the work on February 27, 2025.
In this regard, she also congratulated the contractor, Khriezotuo Mere of M/s NM Enterprises for the successful completion of the building, which is “a G+2 storied RCC structure with a total floor area of 33,000 sq.ft. including the basement floor.”
The building also comprises a basement level which will house the Cafeteria and Quarters for caretakers and maintenance personnel while the Ground floor will be used for District Museum, District Library and District Cultural Officer's office.
Spaces in the first floor will be allocated to each of the 15 tribes of Nagaland to showcase their distinct identities through art, craft, music and storytelling while the second floor will have Multipurpose Seminar hall and Office of the Cultural Programmers from the DA&C respectively.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Bodeno S Colo, Commissioner & Secretary, DA&C, noting that the inauguration of the NITCRC also marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards preservation of art and culture.
Highlights of the event included a dedicatory prayer by Lipoknungsang Jamir, Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo, folk performances by the Khrietho Cultural Group and Sakhabama Village, and a vote of thanks delivered by Adela Moa, Director of Art & Culture. The programme was compered by Temjenjungla, Assistant Archivist.
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