Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio flanked by the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung and MDACC president Lithrongla G. Chishi, and erstwhile Naga Idol winners after the rechristening of the show to Naga Orpheus Hunt at Cosmos Hall, Mokokchung, August 26.
Naga Idol formally rechristened as ‘Naga Orpheus Hunt’
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the state government has agreed to help establish a school of music and performing arts in Mokokchung. He disclosed this during the “rechristening of Naga Idol show” ceremony at Cosmo Hall here today, organized by Mokokchung District Art & Culture Council (MDACC). He suggested that the proposed school be initially “attached” with one of the existing educational institutions in the district headquarters. Towards this end, he announced a forward of Rs.40 lakhs.
He said that “inborn talent is not sufficient; it has to be groomed and nurtured” although the State may not face dearth of talent. Saying that Nagaland is a “backward state, tribal and small in size,” he added it is hard for the Nagas to “project to the world, but we can come to the limelight through music and sports.” He further mentioned that the Music Academy under construction at Jotsoma, Kohima is almost complete.
He also took the opportunity to congratulate the MDACC for conducting diverse range of activities over the years and said that he was happy when Naga Idol was first launched. He further said that he believed rechristening the talent show to ‘Naga Orpheus Hunt’ is another step toward opening up more opportunities to the youth.
Recognizing that the state lacks corporate houses to sponsor mega events such as the Naga Orpheus Hunt, the Chief Minister also declared that the state government through its Music Task Force will assist the MDACC to organize the show by forwarding Rs.10 lacs annually, until such time as the MDACC could stand on its own feet. Describing the MDACC as partners, he also expressed hope that the MDACC will own “responsibility to fulfill the dreams of the youth” and added that “the dream of oneness of Naga society” be realized.
In his expository note, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Alemtemshi, who also happens to be the founder president of the MDACC established in 1987, said that the name ‘Naga Idol’ was necessitated to be rechristened owing to certain perceived intellectual proprietary rights issues and that he found the name Orpheus as ‘befitting’. He also appreciated the Chief Minister for his concern and described him as “visionary and observant.” He however observed that in order for music to flourish as an industry as has been declared by the state government, the overall economic development of the state is pivotal.
Deputy Commissioner and President of the MDACC, Lithrongla G. Chishi in her welcome address said MDACC was established with the objective to nurture teeming talents of the youth saying imagination among the youth to excel in various activities ‘are fertile’ in the district. “We feel the time is right for a change of label and the Naga Idol show will now be called the Naga Orpheus Hunt,” she declared.
The rechristening function was also attended by a host of dignitaries including the Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen, Dr. Nicky Kire, MLA and Advisor, Music Task Force, Toshipokba MLA and others. Erstwhile Naga Idol winners Moanungsang, Rokovotuo, Toshinaro and Renbeni and last edition’s finalist Atsüngla also performed at the function. It is learnt that the auditions for Naga Orpheus Hunt 2011 will begin from the month of September, the details of which will be made available in a few days by the MDACC.
