Tali Angh performing at the ‘Opus V - Oh Holy Night’ held at the IMC Hall, Dimapur on December 20.
Dimapur, December 21 (MExN): ‘Opus V - Oh Holy Night’ was held at the IMC Hall, Dimapur on December 20. Conceptualised in 2015, this programme aims to being together local artists and art lovers, and to exhibit and encourage the talent of local performers and artists. It also provides a platform for them to showcase their craftsmanship to the world so that their talents may be marketed.
The organizers in a press release stated that Opus V was markedly different from its predecessors as it shifted focus onto the musical aspects of art rather than the showcase of multiple facets of art. In conjunction to this, it also brought to its audience three powerful Naga women who would speak about empowering women leaders and entrepreneurs with the support of men.
The night began with blessings and invocation by Kevi Kevichusa and keynote address by Lenti Aier, founder and president of Act of Kindness Society. This was followed by a round of musical performances by singers - Omekali Chishi, Rongsen Jamir, Bamile and Nievolu Soho.
The panel discussion was moderated by Susan Lotha. The first guest speaker was K Ela, director of Prodigal’s home. She addressed the challenges faced by women in the realm of social work, and how rewarding it is when dealing with suffering people teaches one to be a better listener and more sensitive to the voices that call for help. She decried how society was becoming more selfish and less sensitive.
The next speaker was Ani Yepthomi, director of LFI. Her speech touched on leadership and what it takes to be a true leader. She believes that authenticity and leading from within are the key factors that enable a person to stand out from the crowd and speak with power and truth.
The other speaker, Kevi Kevichusa, pastor of the Kingdom Culture Church, when asked about the perspective of beauty in today's world, quoted Nikita Gill, “Don’t be beautiful. Be angry, be intelligent, be witty, be klutzy, be interesting, be funny, be adventurous, be crazy, be talented.” She told the audience to think about kind people and how radiant and beautiful kindness is, that beauty looks like kindness. She wanted society to break the beauty box that dictated what beauty should look like.
Finally, they each left the audience with words of wisdom. “Love the children no matter whose or what background. Call a disabled person by their name and not their disability,” from K Ela. “Touching every life” by Ani who wanted her audience to look deeper beyond big houses, cars, dresses and jobs so that one may leave their legacy. “Be kind to yourself. Tell yourself that who you are, is enough because you need to love yourself before you love others” by pastor Kevichusa.
The discussion was summed up by Susan Lotha in the following words from the Bible, “Love your neighbours as you would love yourself”
The panel discussion then shifted to another round of music and singing after the vote of thanks by Adrain Mahung, secretary, Act of Kindness. The performers that took the stage were Nungshitula Pongener, Tokhaholi Chishi, Tali Angh, and Trance Effect.
