The Centre of Excellence for Music & Arts (CEMA) was inaugurated by Chief Minister, Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and Padma Bhushan, Grammy & Oscar winner, Dr. A. R. Rahman at Ministers’ Hill, Kohima on 1st December 2024, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of National Highways, T. R. Zeliang, and Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Home Department, Y. Patton.
Stating that setting up the Centre of Excellence for Music & Arts was not only his dream, but a dream of the musicians and artists, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said the State Government is determined to help the youth in music and arts, sports etc. especially those who do not have proper opportunities. He expressed gratitude to Dr. A. R. Rahman for coming all the way to Nagaland, and that the State Government looks forward to working and partnering with him in the future. He also thanked him for having the heart to help the young children, less privileged people, nurturing and guiding them. With a positive approach and attitude through music, arts and sports, he expressed hope that the Naga people will be brought together under one umbrella. He expressed hope that Nagaland will not be only called as a land of festivals, but also known as a land of music.
Delivering the welcome address, Chairman, TaFMA, Theja Meru thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for supporting and guiding the youth, and in particular, the musicians and artists, at all times, pushing them beyond the borders of Nagaland. He also thanked Dr. A. R. Rahman for inspiring the youth of the State, and for his continued support in the field of music.
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Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr. A. R. Rahman, who is a singer, songwriter, music composer, record producer, expressed happiness to be a part of the inaugural programme. Sharing that his quest and search for music has led him to Nagaland, he expressed hope that the musicians and artists of the State will continue to inspire in the days to come. On the occasion, A. R. Rahman also announced that Headhunting to Beatboxing, a musical documentary exploring the sonic heritage and cultural heritage of Nagaland, which is produced by him, has been selected for the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland, Abu Metha extended his appreciation to the Chief Minister for supporting the young people of Nagaland and for playing a positive and contributory role in their dreams and aspirations. He stated that about two decades ago, the Chief Minister envisioned to set up a separate special purpose vehicle to promote music and arts in Nagaland, and that vision has today seen so many results which has taken Nagaland to the global platform. He stated that only a few months back, the Nagaland Madrigal Singers won two gold medals at the World Choir Games, and in 2023, the Nagaland Chamber Choir won two gold medals at the 12th World Choir Games, adding that our musicians, artists, performers, our ambassadors of the entertainment industry are not only doing Nagaland proud, but they’re doing India proud across the globe, performing in different continents. These opportunities were opened up because of support from the State Government, and the vision and support in the form of resources, infrastructure by the Chief Minister.
The Centre of Excellence for Music & Arts (CEMA) was conceptualized to encourage and promote music and arts to national and international level, and to create awareness and preserve talents of people practicing age old traditional Music and Art which are getting ignored. The Centre will also provide a platform for professional musicians and amateurs to meet, interact and learn. The Centre was constructed at a cost of Rs. 5.00 Crore under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment. The implementing department is Youth Resources & Sports Department, Government of Nagaland and the Construction Agency is M/s Infrastructural Development Consortium under EPC Mode.
The programme was chaired by Project Director, TaFMA, Dr. Hovithal Sothu and vote of thanks was delivered by Kuvelu Tetseo. The inaugural programme also witnessed a special performance by Chele.
