The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organised “Rhythms of Freedom – Tiranga”, an Independence Day Tiranga concert, on August 15 at the Amphitheatre, NEZCC Stone Sculpture Garden, Dimapur near Dimapur airport of Nagaland.
The concert was organised to bring people together through music and culture and to extend support to families affected by natural disasters across Nagaland. The event also marked the celebration of India’s 80th Independence Day under the theme of Har Ghar Tiranga & Patriotism.
The programme started off with the National Song “Vande Mataram” by Hoiying Walim, followed by the National Anthem presented by performers from Musik-A School, Dimapur. An invocation was offered by Pastor Joshua Kath of Nagamese Baptist Church, Nagarjan, followed by folk performances by the Dimasa Union, Dimapur, and Marwari Samaj, Dimapur.
Welcoming the gathering, Alobo Naga, Director, NEZCC, said the idea behind Rhythms of Freedom – Tiranga was to use the power of culture to celebrate freedom, bring people together and extend a helping hand to those in need. He stated that culture was not only about performances but also about people, compassion, community and building connections.
“Tonight, our artistes & performers are performing not only to entertain us, but for a cause,” he said.
Highlighting the spirit of the celebration, he expressed, “Different voices, different traditions, one nation, one Tiranga. Let our celebration become someone else’s hope.”
The musical evening featured performances by Kivika Achumi, Kekhrie Ringa, Lenen Jamir, Hentok Konyak and Sunep Lemtur, along with 5 Minutes Band and Colored Keys. The concert also brought together community cultural troupes representing different communities of Dimapur, including the Muslim Council, Punjabi Samaj, Bhojpuri Samaj, Nepali Samaj, Gorkha Union, Bengali Samaj and Tibetan & Bhutia Welfare Association. Their participation highlighted the spirit of unity and cultural diversity in Nagaland.
Before the commencement of the programme, Vihuli Zhimomi, Member, Board of Governors, NEZCC, formally re-launched the Children’s Park at the NEZCC Stone Sculpture Garden, Dimapur, for public access.
The concluding part of the programme featured a choral performance by Cantamus Choir, a special performance by Nise Meruno and Tetso College Choir, followed by a grand finale by Abdon Mech. The event was anchored by popular anchors Tovika and Hikali Achumi.
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The programme was attended by several community leaders, cultural personalities, officials and former NEZCC officers. As the special Invitees included Basu Damani, Secretary, Marwadi Samaj; Rajeev Singh, President, Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj; Kamala Kanta Paul, President, Dimapur Bengali Samaj; Harjinder P S Ahluwalia, President, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha; AR Rahman, Working President, Muslim Council of Dimapur; Tikararam Dhakal, Nepali Samaj, Dimapur; Ditush Naban, Dimasa Public Organisation, Nagaland; Kumar Subba, Gorkha Union, Dimapur; RS Panesar, President, Sikh Samaj, Dimapur; Pema Wangchuk, President, Tibetan Bhutia Community and Jeange Konyak, President, Konyak Union.
Guests of Honour included Sandeep Kumar, Deputy Commandant & Chief Airport Security Officer (CASO), CISF; Gwanile Khing Rengma, Chief Manager, SBI; Akalu Zeliang, Art Personality & NEZCC Programme Committee Member; Vihuli Zhimomi, Member, NEZCC Board of Governors, Nagaland; Veswuzo Phesao, SNA Awardee & Former Deputy Director, NEZCC; Sentinungsang Ao, Former Deputy Director, NEZCC; Talinokcha, Former Joint Director, NEZCC; and Lipokmar Tzudir, Former Director, NEZCC graced the event.
The participation of leaders from different communities, artistes, cultural groups, officials and members of the public added to the spirit of togetherness that marked the evening.
