Arts, music, literature is soul of people: Nagaland Governor

Calling arts, music and literature “the soul of our people and living memory of our history”, Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday said that a society which invests in creativity invests in its conscience and future.

He was speaking at the Governor’s Award 2025 ceremony in the fields of Arts, Music and Literature, held at Lok Bhavan, Kohima.

The governor said that in a rapidly changing world, artists, musicians and writers play a crucial role as custodians of heritage and as pioneers of new thought, bridging tradition and modernity without losing cultural roots.

He added that creativity has the power to inspire, unite communities and shape a peaceful and progressive society.

The governor presented the awards to five recipients in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, legislators, senior Government officials and distinguished guests.

The 2025 awardees are Mannyei Konyak (Arts-Sculpture and Woodwork), Guru Rarenbenba (Arts-Performing Arts), Colored Keys (Music), Moko Koza (Music), and Vishu Rita Krocha (Literature).