Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday celebrated the remarkable transformation of the Naga people, who have risen from being labelled as “savages and headhunters” to becoming global icons in the creative arts.
Speaking at the TaFMA (Task Force for Music and Arts) Excellence Awards 2025 in Kohima, Rio highlighted the journey of Nagaland’s creative community from obscurity to international acclaim.
The chief minister reflected on the state’s transformation over the past two decades, attributing it to a strategic focus on youth empowerment, cultural revival, and investments in the creative sector.
He noted that the state’s rich traditions, once dismissed by outsiders, have now become a source of pride and recognition.
“Our people, once labelled as savage headhunters, have always celebrated festivals, sung songs for various occasions, and upheld rich cultural traditions. When Christianity came to Nagaland 153 years ago, it brought with it not only faith but also education, governance, and a sense of civilization,” Rio said.
He credited Christianity and education with instilling confidence and a sense of identity in the Naga people, emphasising that music and the arts have emerged as key avenues for self-expression and pride.
While acknowledging that Nagaland still has areas to catch up with the rest of the world, Rio expressed confidence in the state’s ability to excel in fields like music, arts, and sports.
“We declared Nagaland the land of festivals — not just in name, but in spirit,” he said, recounting his early efforts in 2003 to promote skill development and the arts.
Although initial plans, including a proposal to train 50,000 youths in music and sports, faced setbacks, they paved the way for long-term initiatives such as the Music Task Force, Mini Hornbill Festivals, and district-level cultural showcases.
Rio celebrated the fruits of these efforts, with Naga artistes now gaining recognition on both national and international stages.
He announced that Naga artistes will soon perform in Singapore and Russia, representing India globally.
The chief minister also paid tribute to music legend AR Rahman, calling him a “true friend of Nagaland” and revealing Rahman’s plan to establish a music studio in the state.
Rio described this initiative as a transformative step toward making Nagaland a hub for music, arts, and filmmaking.
Advisor to the chief minister and Chairman of the Infrastructure Development Authority of Nagaland, Abu Metha, echoed Rio’s sentiments.
He praised the contributions of Nagaland’s music and arts fraternity to the cultural and economic growth of the state, adding that their achievements have brought prestige to the nation.
“Art is the highest expression of the human spirit. It captures joy, sadness, anger, and beauty. Our youth are making the human spirit blossom through their talents,” Metha said.
The TaFMA Excellence Awards honoured 10 Naga artistes for their achievements in music, arts, and modelling.
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Each awardee received a medal, citation, and cash prize. The ultimate achiever award went to Hito Kiho, director of The Nagaland Madrigal Singers.
During the event, Rio unveiled Rahman’s gift to the Naga people — his personal piano — and released the music video for “Itaya Nungu” by Lenen Jamir, the first Naga artiste to surpass 10 million views on YouTube.
The ceremony also featured the launch of the 25th Hornbill Music Festival Coffee Table Book, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of Nagaland.
